by 
Country are facing a potential transport crisis as industry stakeholders have issued a seven-day strike notice to the government.
The warning comes amid escalating tensions over the controversial Road Maintenance Levy increase.
The strike could significantly affect many within the Nairobi metropolitan area where approximately 80% of people living near Nairobi commute to work using Public Service Vehicles (PSV) every day, highlighting the potential widespread impact of the strike.
In the wake of Friday, July 19, 2024 the Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) said the government’s decision to increase the road maintenance and fuel levy to Ksh25 per litre from Ksh18 per litre was not fair.
The association with concern citizens, has condemned the hike as illegal and called for its immediate rectify.
They are demanding structural reforms to improve transparency and accountability in the sector.
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced the Ksh7 increase in the levy earlier this week, a move that has sparked widespread criticism.
The Motorist Association of Kenya contends that this adjustment is a direct infringement on taxpayers, resulting in an additional Ksh140 million daily revenue for the government, which they dub as an “illegal levy.”
Peter Murima, the chairperson of MAK, vehemently opposed the increase, stating, “We, the undersigned, reject the illegal increase of the road maintenance levy.”
Peter said that the daily collection of Ksh140 million, multiplied by the 20 million litres of diesel & petrol consumed daily, underscores the significant financial burden placed on motorists.
As the situation unfolds, the potential for a major disruption in nation’s transport sector looms, with far-reaching implications for daily commuters and the broader economy.