NTSA has dismissed claims that it had issued licences to three technology companies that have owed to disrupt the matatu sector.
Little Cabs, Safiri Express and Egypt-based Swvl plan to introduce mass transport apps that will see Kenya’s transport sector experience massive changes.
NTSA Director general Francis Meja has said that they had not received any request from the tech companies notifying them of their intention to venture into the matatu business.
“In fact, as we speak, the said companies are engaged in illegal business, and we have authorised police to arrest them. They cannot purport to carry passengers, whether on a pilot or whatever reason, without seeking authorisation from NTSA,” Meja said.
He said they don’t object to tech companies venturing into the business, but they must use the proper channels.
“The sector is governed by rules and regulations, and if they cannot adhere to them, how are we certain that if we issue them licences, they will abide by them?” the DG said.
In their defence, Memon said, “All the buses of Swvl are fully compliant with the existing rules and regulations of the county.” Little Cab and Safiri have not yet responded.
Infrastructure Secretary and Namata CEO Francis Gitau said the authority also has no objection against the companies venturing into the business.
Gitau said the only undoing of the digital matatus is that they will still get stuck in heavy traffic, which will still not do justice to passengers.
“They say they are spacious, cleaner and no touts, but then why should anyone pay higher fare, knowing he is going to get stuck in the same traffic?” Gitau said.
He said if the digital matatus have a plan of serving in the business, they can seek to explore the feeder routes, especially those that will be used to service the BRT system.
“BRT will be operating on specific routes. The buses will not be moving in estates to pick passengers. Maybe this is an opportunity for them to enter into a partnership and ensure that passengers get in time to their picking points, instead of battling with other operators over inner circle in the CBD,” he said.
Should NTSA really be going hard on these three Tech Companies?