Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has called on financial institutions to grant temporary amnesty and flexibility to investors in the public transport sector, saying many operators are currently struggling under prevailing economic pressures.
Speaking after the negotiations between the government and transport stakeholders, Sakaja said nationwide disruption of transport had caused widespread suffering, affecting families, businesses and essential services.
“We know people are suffering. Children have not gone to school, farm produce is stuck, the sick are stranded and businesses have been closed. I want to assure you that we have found a way forward after deliberations,” he said.
The Governor appealed to financial institutions to suspend harsh loan recovery measures against operators, stressing the need for support during the current economic hardship.
“To financial institutions, we are in very extraordinary times. The crisis is global; let’s not take it out on our people. People are struggling, let’s not auction them. Let’s go back to work as we negotiate so that we get a solution and address the issues at hand, as their guarantor in this negotiation,” Sakaja said.
His remarks come as transport investors continue to face growing financial strain, with operators hoping ongoing negotiations will yield broader relief measures to cushion the sector.
