Matatu Owners Association (MOA) has said that no public service vehicles are on boycott at the moment due to the ongoing crackdown. The association’s chair Simon Kimutai has revealed that many vehicles are not on the roads due to lack of speed governors and safety belts.
“There is no boycott by matatus. The situation has been caused by lack of gadgets, making compliance difficult to achieve. There are also sub-standard seat belts all around as the Kenya Bureau of Standards is not carrying out proper inspection.” Mr. Kimutai said
Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia and his Interior Counterpart Fred Matiang’i said the rules, introduced by the no-nonsense powerful Cabinet minister John Michuki in 2003, will be enforced with more ruthlessness and discipline.
Road accidents have been on the rise this year and have killed 8,000 people in the last three years. Just last month, 58 people were killed in a horrific accident involving a bus in western Kenya.
Public service vehicles must be fitted with speed governors, safety belts and painted with a yellow line. Similarly, all PSV drivers and conductors will be required to wear uniforms and badges and prominently display their photos in the vehicles.
Last week, matatus went on strike due to the introduction of the rules. Interior Secretary Fred Matiang’i warned matatu operators hiking fares that they risk losing their licenses if found guilty.
A tough talking Mr Matiang’i said police will not relent in making sure public service vehicles comply with the law.
Thousands of city residents have been left stranded after most matatu operators stayed away from the roads.