Public transport operators have threatened to withdraw services again next week if the government fails to address their demands over high fuel prices and rising operating costs.

Federation of Public Transport Sector Chief Executive Officer Kushian Muchiri said matatus could stay off the roads again if no agreement is reached by Tuesday.

Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV, Muchiri, who also serves as national chairman of the Association of Matatu Owners, defended the operators’ earlier decision to suspend transport services, saying it was necessary to pressure the government into action.

“When the government reached out to us and gave us an offer, as a leader, you do not do things just to be seen as harsh and strong. It is not about emotions. Sometimes you have to use wisdom,” he said.

Muchiri explained that fare increases had become unavoidable because operators were struggling to sustain their businesses amid rising fuel prices and additional levies.

“You cannot sustain a business if you keep injecting more money into it, yet it is not giving much in return,” he stated.

He noted that even after raising fares, many commuters opted to stay home or walk instead of using public transport, leaving operators with reduced income.

Transport sector players have accused the government of failing to address the soaring cost of fuel, which they say is hurting businesses and increasing the overall cost of living.

Operators are demanding lower fuel prices, removal of some taxes, and urgent intervention from Parliament to cushion both transport providers and ordinary Kenyans from inflationary pressures.

Meanwhile, Johnson Sakaja said the government was optimistic about reaching a deal with operators before Saturday, May 23.

Speaking on Hot96, Sakaja said discussions between the government and transport stakeholders were progressing positively and expressed hope that a new agreement would soon be reached.

The protests earlier this week saw matatu operators, long-distance bus companies, ride-hailing drivers, digital cab operators and truckers suspend operations over the high cost of fuel.

Negotiations led by Opiyo Wandayi and Davis Chirchir ended without a full agreement after the government only reduced diesel prices by Sh10.06 per litre.

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority announced that Super Petrol prices would remain unchanged at Sh214.25 per litre in Nairobi, while diesel prices dropped from Sh242.92 to Sh232.86 per litre following an emergency mid-cycle review.