Isiolo municipality seeks resolution with local matatu operators over new Sacco

Isiolo municipality has intervened to break a deadlock with certain local matatu Saccos over the 'authorisation' of a new Embu-based Sacco to operate in Isiolo town.

The standoff saw the operators boycott work on Monday in protest of the decision, exposing travellers destined for various destinations across the country to inexplicable suffering.

Municipality Manager Osman Halakhe announced that a meeting that will bring together various stakeholders including the aggrieved Matatu operators, security team, and county officials will be scheduled for Wednesday to resolve the matter and ensure a lasting solution.

"We are committed to ending the deadlock so that our people enjoy uninterrupted services," he maintained.

He lamented that the issue had been politicised and blown out of proportion, against the Municipality's intention to promote and ease transport services along the Isiolo-Embu route, following a request from members of the public who he said complained that they were facing challenges while plying the stretch.

The majority of the proposals came from local youth and those from neighbouring counties who have been visiting the neighbouring county to apply for passports.

"We have previously barred many operators from the town, but the Embu one was granted due to continued appeal from residents," Osman added, adding that the Sacco's second application resulted in the licence being cancelled by the executive.

"They had first applied for a licence before the August 2022 general elections which we rejected".

In a show of disconnect between county departments, a Chief officer is said to have later prepared another letter allowing the Sacco to operate despite his boss (County Executive) having previously revoked the earlier permit on instructions from a senior county official.

Osman further implored the local Matatu operators and Saccos to be accommodative to new entrants and shun threatening them, saying competition would promote business growth and improve transport services in anticipation of mega upcoming national government infrastructural projects.

"Apart from providing loading bay in conducive places, the Municipality has the mandate of promoting business growth and enhancing the county's revenue stream," he said.

County Matatu Owners Association Chairperson Mohammed Ahmed on Monday said that they would not accommodate the new entrant unless they were allowed to operate in the neighbouring county.

While demanding respect from the county government as taxpayers and investors, the matatu operators threatened to stop paying seasonal parking fees if their grievances were not satisfactorily addressed.