Machakos Operators Threaten Full Withdrawal Over Bus Park Slots
By Anchor Writer
A boycott of the Machakos Bus Park entered its third day on Wednesday, with matatu operators threatening to withdraw all public service vehicles from service on Thursday after County Transport CECM Nathaniel Nganga failed to resolve a dispute over the allocation of parking bays.
The dispute revolves around the distribution of 67 parking slots shared among 47 matatu saccos operating from the Machakos Bus Park.
Operators accuse Nganga of favouring Makos Sacco after it was allocated two additional parking bays, increasing its allocation from eight to 10 slots—equivalent to 14.93 percent of all available parking spaces.
They argue the move goes against their long-standing demand for a fair and equitable distribution of the limited parking bays among all saccos.
The standoff has been building for days. Over the weekend, Governor Wavinya Ndeti held a video conference with matatu operators and Nganga, urging the operators not to disrupt transport services through a strike.
She appealed to them to work with the Transport Department in finding an amicable solution.
Following the governor’s intervention, Nganga convened a meeting with representatives of the operators where, according to those present, it was agreed that the existing allocation ratios would remain unchanged pending a comprehensive review.
The operators say the minister undertook to communicate that position in writing.However, they claim the letter issued later varied from what had been agreed by allocating additional slots to Makos Sacco, reigniting the dispute.
The operators say they had expected the county government to listen to their grievances through another meeting scheduled for Wednesday but were left disappointed after Nganga failed to attend.
Machakos Matatu Owners Association (MAMOA) Secretary Onesmus Kyalo said the boycott would continue and could escalate into a complete withdrawal of public transport services if the county government failed to address their concerns.
“I do not see the minister doing justice because he appears too conflicted to see the bigger picture for the industry. Someone else, or a task force, can deliver the right thing—not the minister,” Kyalo told The Anchor.
The operators insist they are seeking fairness rather than preferential treatment, saying all saccos should receive equitable treatment in the allocation of the limited parking spaces.
The Anchor sought a response from Nganga regarding the allegations of bias, his absence from the scheduled meeting and the operators’ claims.
His response was awaited by the time of publication.
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