The Matatu Owners Association (MOA) has voiced its opposition to the government’s decision to reinstate National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) officers on the roads.
They argued that the directive, issued by Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, was made without consulting industry stakeholders.
Coming a day after Murkomen announced far-reaching measures aimed at curbing the increasing road carnages, the Association emphasized the importance of collaboration and dialogue between industry players and the government in addressing road safety issues.
Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta issued a directive in 2018 exempting the authority from the responsibility.
But, Murkomen disclosed that he has consulted his Interior counterpart Kindiki Kithure to establish a mechanism where the previous directive will be vacated and a collaborative regime between NTSA and NPS will be put in place for a more efficient enforcement
Speaking at a press conference in Nairobi on Wednesday, MOA CEO Patricia Mutheu acknowledged the concerns raised by the CS, highlighting that the successful execution of the directive necessitates collaborative efforts.
Mutheu highlighted the significance of cooperation and dialogue between industry stakeholders and the government in addressing road safety issues.
Murkomen Tuesday ordered the immediate reassessment of drivers operating Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) and heavy commercial vehicles.
“The re-testing of all PSV and heavy commercial drivers, which had been postponed after an outcry from the sector, will now be implemented without further delay. All stakeholders are expected to comply and cooperate,” he said.
According to the CEO, as industry players, they are ready to engage in joint discussions to develop comprehensive and long-term solutions to the issue. The national campaign launched on March 4, involves voluntary vehicle inspection clinics.
She said previous crackdowns have proven ineffective as it is “reactive” hence their proactive measures to self-regulate through the aforementioned road safety campaigns.
MOA President Albert Karakacha on his part argued in favour of matatus regarding accidents, stating that their accident rate is not as concerning as that of lorries. Therefore, when issues arise, the CS should refrain from aggressively targeting matatus, as they are legitimate businesses in need of support.
Karakacha also criticized the proposed reintroduction of NTSA on the roads, suggesting that it would not effectively address current issues but rather foster corruption.
NTSA, he noted, is supposed to be a regulator and not to be on the roads. The chairman instead urged the government to give more powers to traffic commandants and increase mobile police to manage traffic in their regions. He said they support any move to have traffic police on the roads to enforce traffic rules.
