Kindiki commended Public Service Vehicle operators and other stakeholders in the transport sector for opting for dialogue instead of prolonged disruption.

📻 Breaking It Down

NAIROBI, Kenya May 18 – Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has hailed public transport operators for suspending the nationwide fuel strike, describing the move as a patriotic act that prioritises the country’s stability and the welfare of Kenyans.

In a statement issued Tuesday, Kindiki commended Public Service Vehicle operators and other stakeholders in the transport sector for opting for dialogue instead of prolonged disruption.

“We applaud the spirit of patriotism exhibited by the Public Service Vehicles operators and other stakeholders who rely on petroleum products to run their businesses. Calling off the strike and giving room for dialogue is commendable, it is putting our country first,” he said.

📌 What You Need to Know

The Deputy President assured Kenyans that the government would continue rolling out interventions to cushion wananchi from the effects of high fuel prices.

“The Government assures all Kenyans and stakeholders that we will do everything possible to cushion wananchi from the effects of high fuel costs. We have taken measures, including lowering VAT on petroleum products from 16 percent to 8 percent, invested over Sh12 billion in subsidies and further reduced the price of diesel by Sh10 last night,” he stated.

His remarks came hours after transport sector stakeholders agreed to suspend the ongoing nationwide strike for one week following high-level negotiations with the government.

As part of the agreement, matatu operators and digital cab stakeholders announced that normal public transport operations would resume immediately across the country.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced the breakthrough Tuesday during a press briefing at Harambee House in Nairobi after an interministerial meeting involving leaders from the transport sector.

According to Murkomen, negotiations between the government and stakeholders will continue over the next one week until May 26 in a bid to resolve concerns raised by operators over soaring fuel prices.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya