Sakaja Pleads with Banks to Stop Repossessing Matatus Amid Fuel Crisis

Kenya, 25 May 2026 - Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja appealed to banks and other financial institutions to be at the forefront in supporting matatu operators in the country as they grapple with the rising cost of fuel and harsh economic conditions.

Speaking on Monday, the county chief said that leaders of lenders should temporarily halt the repossession of public service vehicles for 90 days to allow the operators to continue offering transport services to the public.

Sakaja made the appeal during a meeting convened by the Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport, Davis Chirchir, which brought together key players from the financial sector and transport industry operators.

“The sector has experienced aggressive recovery of assets during these difficult times,” Sakaja said.

“I am appealing to players in the banking sector to support the transport sector by granting a temporary 90-day moratorium on repossession and recovery of assets to help operators continue their work,” he added.

Sakaja has also assured that he will work closely with the national government to ensure that grievances raised by both parties are addressed swiftly to avert disruptions of public transport in the country.

The appeal comes at a time when matatu operators across the country are grappling with soaring fuel prices and rising operational costs, challenges that recently prompted them to initiate a two-day nationwide strike.

The strike disrupted public transport services in several major towns and cities, leaving millions of commuters stranded as operators protested what they described as an unsustainable business environment.