President William Ruto flew back to the country yesterday morning after official visits to Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, with his most urgent assignment being to avert a strike next week by stakeholders in the transport sector.
The President touched down at Moi International Airport, Mombasa at 5.51am, having flown from Astana, the capital city of Kazakhstan.
As he was landing, chairpersons of matatu Saccos and other stakeholders were making their plans to fly to Mombasa for a meeting with him, having been invited on Wednesday evening.
President William Ruto lays the foundation stone for the Kinango Modern Market, one of six such markets being built in Kwale County.
Photo credit: PCS
According to leaders of transport sector associations who spoke to the Nation , the venue of the meeting had not been indicated but they were informed that they will be guided upon landing in Mombasa.
Matatu Owners Association national chairperson Albert Karakacha said they were invited by the president owing to the agreement reached on Tuesday during a meeting with the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, Kipchumba Murkomen and his Energy counterpart Opiyo Wandayi.
All petroleum product users led by RIG owners’ association Chairman Cornelius Chepsoi (center), Federation of public transport sector (FPTS) CEO Kushian Muchiri (left) and Matatu Owners Association President Albert Karakacha, addressing journalists at Bomb Blast Memorial Park, Nairobi on May 17, 2026.
Photo credit: Lucy Wanjiru | Nation Media Group
“I’m on my way, but we want to assure our clients and members that we will not be intimidated. We are going there with clear minds on the issues to be addressed,” he said.
Mr Karakacha expressed disappointment over allegations being spread on social media that they were bribed to suspended the strike.
“We have our means. I personally have matatus and I cannot be bribed,” Mr Karakacha said.
Mass Mobility Operators Association chairperson Wilfred Bosire said that the allegations of bribery were being investigated.
“Some of my colleagues and I are still questioning where that money came from and who was given. We understand that a lot of things are being said and that money might have exchanged hands and some of us did not benefit from that,” he said.
While stating that the invitation was not clear in terms of who should be attending the meeting, some officials were already in Mombasa, raising more questions.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja also dismissed the allegations that he was the one who facilitated their transport fee to Mombasa.
“If we sit down and think critically, we can find a solution. For example, we can introduce price capping where taxes on fuel only apply when pump prices are Sh200 and below. If prices rise above that level, the taxes would be suspended,” the governor said.
At the coast, the president engaged in some public and political activities as he promised goodies to the people.
He announced a Sh3 billion allocation for the construction of a new ferry at the Likoni Crossing Channel in Mombasa, in a renewed effort to ease congestion and improve transport connectivity between Mombasa and Kwale counties.
President William Ruto flagging off Rural electrification materials which will be used to electrify 401 households by the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) and will be implemented at 1.8 million shillings in Kwale County.
Photo credit: Kevin Odit| Nation Media Group
He also announced an additional Sh500 million investment for improvements at the Mtongwe channel to further enhance mobility within Mombasa County.
Despite previous investments, including the Sh40 billion Dongo Kundu bypass, congestion at Likoni has remained a persistent challenge.
The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), which manages ferry operations, has repeatedly advised motorists to use the bypass to ease pressure on the channel.
However, most drivers continue to use the ferry crossing, leading to frequent gridlocks.
The Dongo Kundu Bypass, a major infrastructure project completed in 2024, was designed to decongest the Likoni channel by providing a direct link between Miritini and Ng’ombeni, bypassing Mombasa Island entirely.
Despite its benefits such as cutting travel time from Mariakani to Ukunda to about 30 minutes compared to hours of ferry delays, the route remains underused.
Many motorists reportedly continue using the ferry due to habit, lack of awareness, or perceptions that the bypass is longer or less convenient.
The president’s announcement comes as residents continue to grapple with delays, breakdowns, and overcrowding at the Likoni channel.
President William Ruto flagging off Rural electrification materials which will be used to electrify 401 households by the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) and will be implemented at 1.8 million shillings in Kwale County.
Photo credit: Kevin Odit| Nation Media Group
Tourism stakeholders led by the Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers Coast official, Dr Sam Ikwaye, welcomed the move, saying it will enhance accessibility.
“Accessibility is a key factor for any tourism destination, and in a city like Mombasa, a new ferry will ease congestion, reduce traffic, and improve the overall experience for travellers,” he said.
Beyond transport, President Ruto said his administration is investing heavily in coastal development projects to boost economic growth and address infrastructure gaps.
He highlighted a Sh1.4 billion allocation for the stalled Mombasa Stadium project, which has remained incomplete for nearly a decade. He also announced Sh50 billion in funding from Afreximbank for the development of the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone.
