Major roads leading into and out of the capital were severely affected, with Outering Road at the Kariobangi Roundabout completely blocked, bringing traffic movement to a standstill and leaving thousands of commuters stranded.
According to eyewitness accounts, the blockade was mounted by Forward Travellers matatu operators who parked their vehicles across the Kariobangi Roundabout, rendering Outering Road impassable.
The road is a critical link between Nairobi’s eastern and northern neighbourhoods, and its closure quickly triggered widespread disruption across surrounding areas.
Motorists attempting to access Kariobangi, Dandora, Kayole, and other parts of Eastlands were left stuck for hours as long queues formed on feeder roads.
Public service vehicles, private cars, and commercial trucks were all affected, causing delays for workers, students, and businesses that rely on the route for daily operations.
The disruption was not limited to Outering Road. Motorists using the busy Thika Road also reported heavy traffic congestion, with vehicles barely moving during the morning rush hour.
Some commuters were forced to abandon their journeys altogether and walk long distances to reach their destinations.
Similar scenes were witnessed along Waiyaki Way, where matatus blocked lanes heading into the Central Business District.
Similar scenes were witnessed along Waiyaki Way, where matatus blocked lanes heading into the Central Business District.
Travellers from Uthiru, Kabete, Kinoo, and even those coming from Nakuru and other parts of western Kenya experienced significant delays as traffic piled up along the corridor.
Within the Nairobi CBD, several buses were spotted blocking sections of Tom Mboya Street at the junction with Ronald Ngala Street near the KTDA building.
Within the Nairobi CBD, several buses were spotted blocking sections of Tom Mboya Street at the junction with Ronald Ngala Street near the KTDA building.
The area serves as a major bus stop for vehicles plying Umoja, Donholm, and Githurai routes, and the obstruction further worsened congestion in the city centre.
Commuters travelling from Eastlands reported being dropped off along Jogoo Road, with some touts informing passengers that certain SACCOs had barred matatus from entering the city.
Commuters travelling from Eastlands reported being dropped off along Jogoo Road, with some touts informing passengers that certain SACCOs had barred matatus from entering the city.
This left many forced to walk or seek alternative means of transport under mounting frustration.
Traffic police were seen attempting to manage the situation in some areas, though the scale of the disruption made it difficult to restore normal traffic flow during peak hours.
Traffic police were seen attempting to manage the situation in some areas, though the scale of the disruption made it difficult to restore normal traffic flow during peak hours.
Motorists were advised to avoid Kariobangi Roundabout and Outering Road and to use alternative routes where possible.
The strike had been announced on January 28, with matatu operators threatening a nationwide shutdown to protest the alleged torching of their vehicles by boda boda operators.
The strike had been announced on January 28, with matatu operators threatening a nationwide shutdown to protest the alleged torching of their vehicles by boda boda operators.
The operators accused the government of failing to address rising hostility and insecurity affecting public transport workers.
Other transport sector players, including truck drivers, had also indicated plans to join the strike in solidarity, raising concerns of a widespread transport paralysis.
However, on Sunday, February 1, the Federation of Public Transport Sector (FPTS) announced the suspension of the strike to allow for dialogue among stakeholders, including government agencies and security officials. The move was intended to ease tensions and prevent disruption to commuters.
Despite the suspension, some matatu operators appeared to defy the directive, leading to the chaos witnessed across Nairobi on Monday morning.
Other transport sector players, including truck drivers, had also indicated plans to join the strike in solidarity, raising concerns of a widespread transport paralysis.
However, on Sunday, February 1, the Federation of Public Transport Sector (FPTS) announced the suspension of the strike to allow for dialogue among stakeholders, including government agencies and security officials. The move was intended to ease tensions and prevent disruption to commuters.
Despite the suspension, some matatu operators appeared to defy the directive, leading to the chaos witnessed across Nairobi on Monday morning.
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