Nairobi experienced major traffic disruption on Monday morning after a section of matatu operators went ahead with protest action despite an official announcement suspending a planned strike.
Confusion and chaos were reported along Outering Road after #matatus were used to block the Kariobangi Roundabout, completely cutting off movement on the busy highway. The blockade, reportedly mounted by Forward Travellers Sacco operators, brought traffic to a standstill on one of the city’s most critical transport links connecting eastern and northern Nairobi.
The road closure quickly triggered widespread gridlock, leaving hundreds of motorists and commuters stranded. Long lines of vehicles built up along feeder roads as drivers struggled to find alternative routes in and out of Kariobangi.
Traffic snarl-ups were also reported on Thika Road, where vehicles crawled for hours, while along Waiyaki Way, matatus were seen blocking lanes leading into the Central Business District. Commuters travelling from areas such as Uthiru, Kabete, Kinoo, as well as those heading into the city from Nakuru and western Kenya, faced heavy delays.
Within the #CBD, several buses were spotted obstructing parts of Tom Mboya Street near the junction with Ronald Ngala Street, close to the KTDA building. The area serves as a major pick-up and drop-off point for matatus operating routes to Umoja, Donholm and Githurai, further compounding the disruption.
Passengers from Eastlands reported being forced to alight along Jogoo Road, with conductors informing them that some SACCOs had barred matatus from entering the city centre. The disruption affected not only public service vehicles but also private motorists and commercial trucks, causing delays for workers, students and businesses.
Authorities advised road users to avoid Outering Road and the Kariobangi Roundabout, urging motorists to seek alternative routes and allow extra travel time. Commuters were also encouraged to reschedule non-essential trips where possible.
The unrest follows earlier plans by matatu operators to stage a nationwide strike from January 28 in protest over alleged attacks on their vehicles by boda boda operators and what they described as insufficient government action. Although the Federation of Public Transport Sector announced on Sunday, February 1, that the strike had been suspended to allow dialogue, some operators appeared to ignore the directive, resulting in Monday’s transport chaos.
