Commuters in Nairobi have been left stranded as matatus made good their threat to strike in protest of the re-enforcement of Michuki rules.

Scores of commuters, who hit the road as early as 6 am to set out to work were still stranded at bus-stops by the time this article was published, as there were very few Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) operating and the few that were on the roads were reportedly charging exorbitant fares.

Dozens were left with no choice but to walk while some lucky few carpooled.

The government had given matatu operators a November 12 deadline to comply with the Michuki rules, which among other things requires drivers to wear uniforms and badges with their details, yellow lines on matatus showing the routes they ply, as well as have the matatus speed governors and seat belts.

The famous Michuki traffic rules were introduced in 2003 by then transport minister John Michuki but the sector reneged on them years after he died. The rules had noticeably restored sanity on our roads and curbed road carnage.

The government announced the plans to re-enforce Michuki rules as a way of restoring sanity on the chaotic public service sector, which continues to increase the number of death on our roads.

INCREASED COMMUTER TRAINS 

Transport CS Macharia has directed Kenya Railways to increase the number of commuter trains on all routes and reduce fare by 10% until normal public transport resumes.