NAIROBI, Kenya Jun 24 – Kenyans using public transport have been assured of uninterrupted services during Thursday’s planned Gen Z memorial protests, following a statement by Matatu Owners Association chairperson Albert Karakacha urging Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operators to continue with normal operations.

Speaking ahead of the demonstrations expected in several towns across the country, Karakacha said the matatu sector remains committed to serving commuters and maintaining stability despite concerns over possible disruptions.

“We are calling on all PSV operators to continue operating normally and serving wananchi as usual,” he said.

The assurance comes amid growing public anticipation over the Gen Z memorial protests organized to commemorate young Kenyans who lost their lives during the anti-government demonstrations held in June last year.

The planned protests, largely mobilized through social media platforms, are expected to attract thousands of young people demanding accountability, justice for victims of police brutality, and broader governance reforms.

Over the past few days, concerns had emerged among commuters and business operators over the possibility of transport paralysis, particularly in major urban centres including Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, Nakuru and Eldoret.

However, Karakacha dismissed fears of a shutdown in the transport sector, emphasizing that matatu operators should avoid panic and continue supporting the movement of people across the country.

The Matatu Owners Association noted that uninterrupted transport services are critical for workers, traders, students and businesses that rely on daily commuting.

At the same time, the association urged both operators and commuters to remain peaceful and cooperate with security agencies during the demonstrations.

Security agencies have already heightened surveillance in key towns ahead of the protests, with the government urging demonstrators to maintain peace and avoid destruction of property.

Civil society groups and human rights organizations have also called for restraint from both protesters and police, warning against a repeat of violent confrontations witnessed during previous demonstrations.

The Gen Z-led movement gained national attention in 2024 after widespread protests against controversial government policies and the Finance Bill sparked deadly clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement officers.

Many young Kenyans have since continued to use online platforms to organize civic action campaigns and demand political accountability.