Kenyan passengers have received with thanks the good news concerning government involvement to control the fare charges across the nation.
Transport Ministry Cabinet Secretary (CS) James Macharia tabled amendments to the Traffic Act and the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) Act in the National Assembly on Tuesday.
Under the drafted amendments, CS Macharia is seeking to empower the ministry to have the autonomous authority to stipulate and control PSV fares across the country.
The CS was represented by Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS), Chris Obure, in the presentation to the National Assembly’s Transport and Housing Committee.
“The amendments will ensure effective regulation of fare tariffs by the authority similar to the regulation of petroleum process by the Energy Regulatory Commission,” the CAS divulged.
Mr Obure disclosed that the proposed amendments were at a very advanced stage with the legal department, and would soon be presented to the cabinet for adoption prior to being tabled in parliament.
Upon adoption, the CS will then have the legal authority to stipulate fares for all PSVs as well as determining the penalties for non-compliance.
National Assembly’s Transport and Housing Committee chairman and Pokot South MP, David Pkosing, referred to the proposed amendments as long overdue.
In his presentation, Obure made it clear that the government was fully aware of the rampant exploitation of the public using tactics such as fare hikes in the previously unregulated sector.
He added that the proposed amendments were simply meant to protect the public.
Overcharging by PSVs has been a constant thorn in the flesh of thousands of commuters across the country especially during holidays, bad weather as well as during implementation of certain laws such as the Michuki rules.
The issue was first raised in parliament by Bomachoge Borabu Member of Parliament (MP) Zadoc Ogutu.