14 seater matatus Vs Kenya Mpya Buses : Thika Matatus on Strike

All public service matatus plying the Thika Nairobi Route 237 have downed their tools. The 14 seater matatus mostly from the Chania Sacco, Chania Travellers, Time Track and Manchester Sacco (Nganya) are currently having a peaceful demonstration near the Municipal Council Offices and the Police Station. The matatus have also parked their vehicles at all major roundabouts in Thika making entry into and from Thika impossible. Thika Live was in town and we have compiled the following photos.

Well that is the leader of the Manchester Sacco who is leading talks with the Police and the Municipal Council. It is believed that the strike has arisen due to the Municipal Council decison to allow the Kenya Mpya 50 seater matatus to operate in Thika. The matatu Saccos believe that by charging 80 bob and on a rainy day 100 bob to Nairobi, the Kenya Mpya buses are diluting the marketing and pushing the matatus out of business. It is also alleged that the Kenya Mpya buses presence in Thika is due to  unfair collaboration between the some Councillors and the Bus company. In a free market, is this action by Kenya Mpya viable or is it cut just throat competition taking place. Well dialogue is in progress and i believe an amicable solution will be found. For our readers we would like your views on whether the Saccos are justified to go on strike or is it just competition fears.
Kindly comment on our blog or Facebook page. Your response is welcomed.

There was an unintentional tampering on the date settings of the Thika Live camera..Thats explains why the photos seem dated 12/07/2008..But the time remains ok. Sorry for the inconveniences