Matatu operators have revealed why they selected Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson as their guarantor during high-level negotiations with the national government over rising fuel prices that triggered a transport strike.

Speaking during an interview, Federation of Public Transport Sector CEO Kushian Muchiri said the decision was based on Sakaja’s approach to leadership and his long-standing engagement with stakeholders in the transport industry.

According to Muchiri, matatu owners felt confident that the governor would ensure their concerns reached government and that discussions would produce solutions to address the fuel pricing crisis.

“Sakaja is a hands-on Governor. He does not impose changes on the matatu sector; he consults, he listens, and we have had so many meetings with him on any change in Nairobi or any project that will affect our sector,” Muchiri said.

The transport sector leadership and the government agreed to suspend industrial action for seven days to allow room for discussions and the development of measures aimed at addressing concerns raised by operators.

Muchiri said Sakaja’s role in the negotiations goes beyond representation and acts as an assurance that the issues raised by the sector would not be ignored.

“That is why in this deal with the national government he is our guarantor that indeed we shall be heard and our issues will be addressed, and we are sure before the seven days are over we shall get a solution,” he added.

The temporary suspension of the strike came after disruption of transport services and economic activity, with thousands of commuters and businesses feeling the effects of the standoff. Attention now shifts to the ongoing talks and whether the government can deliver a lasting solution before the seven-day window expires.