Matatus block roundabout to protest Super Metro operations in Kahawa West

Transport in Kahawa West and Roysambu was on Tuesday morning disrupted after some matatus blocked a major roundabout to protest the introduction of Super Metro buses in Kahawa West route 44.

Hundreds of residents heading to work were left stranded at the bus stops from as early as 7:00 am.

Administrators of rival matatu saccos led by Rugakina sacco officials accused Super Metro matatus of inviting themselves onto their 'feeding table' – thereby threatening their existence.

Some residents told Wananchi Reporting that chaos erupted after Super Metro matatus began plying the route that has for years been dominated by matatus from 10 other saccos.

“The feeling among other operators is that Super Metro buses charge customers much less, and this is attracting people to Super Metro buses,” said James Kamau a resident.

Ngugi Kamau, an official from Rukagina Sacco claimed that Super Metro Sacco is being favoured.

“Super Metro is getting all the routes in Nairobi, yet some of us have been trying to get more routes for many years in vain,” said Ngugi.

 His sentiments were echoed by Rugakina Sacco Chairman Moses Njau.

“We have over 10 saccos in Kahawa West route 44, with over 2,000 vehicles, most of which are about to be repossessed by banks because of unpaid loans,” said Njau.

Adding that: “We cannot allow other operators to come here and spoil our businesses just when we are trying to recover from the effects of Covid-19 pandemic.”

Speaking about the incident, Robert Gachoka, Manager Super Metro, told Wananchi Reporting that they were answering to the calls of the normal Kenyans. He denied claims by their competitors that they were being favoured - or that they are out to eat their cake.

“I can tell you that residents of Kahawa West and Roysambu have been asking us to bring them our good services. That’s because we value customers everywhere, and people know,” said Gachoka.

“Our matatus have helped to create jobs for the youth in this area, and that is beneficial to the community. Let everyone do their job," he said. 

He also denied claims that they were charging reduced fares to lure customers – and hurt their competitors.

"Our fares are normal, and will only fluctuate depending on a number of factors. In the morning we charge high rates because of traffic, but the prices go down during off peak hours," he said.

Adding that: "Sometimes the prices go up a bit because of the rains, but we care about our customers,” noted Gachoka.

A number of businesses remained closed in the morning as tension escalated between the matatu operators – which saw parts of the roads blocked.

The incident caused traffic snarl up in the area after some matatu drivers abandoned their vehicles in the middle of the road in protest.

On March 10, 2023, buses belonging to City Hoppa blocked major roads in Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) including Moi Avenue to protest what they termed as 'continued take over' of pick-up stages by Super Metro in the CBD.