Speaking during a press interview, Karakacha said the association, alongside other matatu sector stakeholders, is ready and willing to sit down with the government to find a lasting solution and prevent further disruption of public transport services across the country.
He warned that without immediate engagement, the ongoing industrial action could continue, worsening transport challenges already being experienced in several urban areas.
“We are urging them to sit down with us; we are ready to sit down with them if they are willing, and if they won’t do so, we will still continue with the strike, because we cannot push the price to the common mwananchi,” Karakacha stated.
He added that transport operators feel sidelined, noting that no formal communication had been initiated by the government despite the growing crisis in the sector.
“They have not reached out to us; we were waiting for them, and we have not heard anything from them,” he said.
Karakacha maintained that the association’s position is driven by concern over the increasing cost of fuel, which he said is making it unsustainable for operators to continue running public service vehicles without passing the burden to passengers.
The MOA chairperson further emphasized that the group is demanding a comprehensive review of fuel-related taxes, including the eight per cent Value Added Tax (VAT), which had previously been reduced from 16 per cent under President William Ruto.
He argued that despite the reduction, fuel prices remain high, leaving operators with limited options other than seeking further tax relief measures to stabilize fares and protect commuters.
The association warned that failure to address the issue promptly could lead to prolonged transport paralysis, particularly in major cities where matatu services remain the primary mode of public transport.
Transport operators have in recent days been staging protests and withdrawal of services in different parts of the country, citing unsustainable fuel costs and declining profitability.