Are you one of those who were stranded today morning as you made your way to work or school? You might want to smile at your neighbor and ask for a lift tomorrow because it only gets worse.
According to Traffic Commandant, Samuel Kimaru the citywide matatu crackdown that started yesterday morning is only a rehearsal as the real Michuki rules are yet to be implemented on November 12th. The move is meant to end the menace of road accidents that have been as a result of rogue matatus as well as ensure the safety of Kenyans who use public transport and have been victims of reckless operations in the past.
The traffic boss warned matatu operators who have not yet met the set requirements to act appropriately or keep their vehicles at home.
“There are crooks in Nairobi who have so many issues, they don’t follow rules, they don’t have uniforms unlike other saccos, if you won’t meet the requirements don’t take your vehicle to the road,” said Mr. Kimaru.
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.
However, the Chairman Motor Vehicle Transporters Association Calvin Nyaure, said the police are to blame for the problems facing the transport sector arguing that the officers had turned the crackdown into a business project.
“The officers are trying to look for money from matatu owners, they have made it a business project,” Nyaure said.
Chairman of the Matatu Owners Association Simon Kimutai also expressed his dissatisfaction with the crackdown saying that the Michuki rules the government is trying to enforce were suspended by Justice Odunga.
According to Mr. Kimutai, the traffic department needs to be sensitive in how they address the problems facing PSVs.
“Why impound someone’s vehicle for three days and they have loans they’re paying?” he asked. “If there is a problem, which i cant deny, the traffic department should be sensitive on how to address it.”
Mr. Kimaru however argued that the crackdown and the Michuki rules are in line with what is stipulated in the NTSA and Traffic acts.
The crackdown paralyzed transport in many parts of the city forcing commuters to seek other means of transportation.
Why do you think matatu operators do not want to comply with the traffic rules?