Funga Mshipi! Govt Introduces ‘Michuki rules’

Matatus parked along Accra Road in Nairobi. PSVs have been directed to comply with traffic rules by November 12. /FILE

The government has re-introduced the famous Michuki rules as part of the measures to cab runaway road carnage being witnessed in the country.

In a statement to newsroom signed by Cabinet Secretaries James Macharia (Transport, Infrastructure) and Dr. Fred Matiang’i (Interior), they attributed the high road accidents to “lack of observance of the laws governing traffic management.”

Matiang’i and Macharia have given a grace period of two weeks for all stakeholders to comply with the new rules.

“Therefore, effective Monday, 12th November 2018, any PSV vehicle, drivers, SACCOs/Transport companies, passengers and other relevant parties that fail to comply with the provisions of the NTSA Act and the Traffic Act will be firmly dealt with in accordance with the law,” reads the statement.

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The statement said; All public service vehicles (PSV) must be fitted with:-

(i) Speed limiters/governors.

(ii) Safety belts (seat belts).

(iii) Yellow continuous line.

Former Transport Minister John Michuki introduced the tough laws back in 2003 and while he faced resistance from the industry players, he did not relent and had the public backing him.

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The famed rules requires PSV drivers and conductors to wear uniforms and PSV badges. Their photos are to be displayed prominently in the vehicle.

The laws were effective in taming rogue drivers and saw number of accident deaths reduce significantly. However, his successors were not keen on carrying through the legacy and the country slid back to the rogue days.

The announcement comes even as a probe to the recent Fort Ternan accident that claimed the lives of 56 people on Moi Day continues.

The wrecakge of the matatu in the Kimende accident. Photo/GIKUNGA KARIUKI

Investigations have revealed that the bus had faulty breaks and was overloaded. The driver, who was 76 years is presumed to have been exhausted after he had driven the ill fated bus on the same day from Kisumu to Nairobi.

NTSA is also carrying out an age limit review on all PSV drivers though it is not clear, if older drivers will be removed from the road.

It is also not clear how the government plans to deal with corrupt policemen who allow PSV drivers to break traffic  rules at a fee.

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