Prepare to Walk to Work: Strict Adherence to Michuki Rules Set for Monday

If you are planning to get to work early tomorrow kindly get a quicker means of transport or at least try and board a matatu that has completely adhered to the provisions of the NTSA act.

A crackdown on matatus that have faulted the set rules and guidelines is set to begin in full force tomorrow. Police have already mounted checkpoints on major roads within the City of Nairobi in a bid to crackdown road unworthy vehicles.

“Therefore, effective Monday,12 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 the law,” a statement from the Transport Ministry stated.

The crackdown comes a week after Transport Secretary gave matatu operators until November 12, 2018 to comply with the ‘Michuki rules’ or face the law.

On Sunday, city matatus operators were caught unawares in the morning by the crackdown as police  impounded dozens of vehicles.

Public service vehicles had adopted a wait-and-see attitude as the clock ticks towards the enforcement of tough laws that could see a good number of them pushed off the road.

Matatu operators say unless there is proper education on how the rules will be effected, the government is just but blowing hot air.

“Who is going to enforce the laws?” posed Matatu Owners Association chair Simon Kimutai.

“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.”

The government has turned to the late Transport Minister John Michuki’s guidebook on how to bring back sanity on the roads, giving the public transport sector up to November 12 to comply with a set of strict conditions.

This includes fixing seat belts, installing speed governors and painting a continuous yellow line around vehicle bodies. Additionally all matatu crew will be required to wear uniform and badges at all time, display the driver’s passport photo on the windscreen and avoid touting.

Do you think Public Transport Operators will fully adhere to and comply with the Michuki Rules?

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