We have all traveled in matatus before and chances are that you are always praying to your God to help you reach your destination in one piece looking at just how badly they are driven. So the question is, are the Michuki rules here to save us?
Even with the threats from the government, the public service vehicles (PSVs) don’t seem moved but have instead opted to wait and see whether the rules will be enforced. According to the operators, they have not been given any proper education on how the rules will be enforced therefore for them, it seems like the government is just engaging in exaggerated talk.
“Who is going to enforce the laws? Is it the same police who are extorting and offering protection to rogue operators? We support the laws but we are sure after one week it will be back to business as usual,” said Mr. Simon Kimutai, the Chair of the Matatu Owners Association.
If enforced, the much awaited return of the Michuki rules will see a good number of matatus pushed off the road. However in the meantime, it is still business as usual on the roads until the planned crackdown starts on November 12, 2018.
The government had given the PSVs until November 12th to fix seat belts, install speed governors and paint a continuous yellow line around vehicle bodies. Additionally all matatu crew will be required to wear uniform and badges at all time as well as display the driver’s passport photo on the windscreen and avoid touting.
“Effective Monday November 12, 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,” read a joint statement by the ministries of Transport and Interior
The move is in an attempt to bring back sanity on the roads. The late Michuki, in his term as Minister of Transport banned graffiti on all PSVs, which reduced competition among operators due to uniformity. However, after assuming office in 2013, President Uhuru Kenyatta, in an attempt to create jobs for the youth, brought back graffiti but forced matatus to join saccos in an effort to create self-regulation.
The government has nevertheless said it will make good its threat and come next Monday any vehicle, crew or passengers found flouting the rules will face the law. This includes passengers who will be found to have not belted up as they will have to pay an instant fine.
Do you think the re-introduction of the Michuki rules will tame the transport industry in Kenya?