They do say that where CS Dr Fred Matiang’i makes a wish, it becomes a command to authorities and everyone under the authorities! Do you remember his order to paint all school buses in yellow? At first people boycotted but finally school buses were in yellow!
A few weeks ago, the interior Cabinet Secretary, Dr Fred Ong’ong’a made a comment on plans to restore road sanity, and Michuki rules were around the corner. The crackdown on all matatus was to begin last week Monday but the drivers and matatu owners, more so Saccos, were given a one week ultimatum to comply with Michuki rules or else…….
On Friday CS Matiang’i alongside the Inspector general of police Joseph Boinnet insisted that the crackdown on matatus was to take effect today Monday, and Kenyans woke up into a walking nation!
Stranded in stages not knowing what to do next as their jobs await them in the offices, some decided to walk! Really?
This follows a countrywide strike called by all public service vehicles to protest against the return of Michuki rules.
A crackdown on matatus that have faulted the set rules and guidelines has began in full force. Police have already mounted checkpoints on major roads within the City of Nairobi in a bid to crackdown road unworthy vehicles.
However, the vehicles are not on the roads and the city looks as if there is a charity walk, or rather a peaceful demonstration!
People slowly walking to their work places. Walking nation indeed!
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?