Transport Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen has called on players in the Matatu sector to work together to make the transport industry much more convenient and comfortable for users.
Murkomen spoke on Thursday in Nairobi when the Matatu Owners Association (MOA) members met to deliberate on the various issues affecting them during these tough economic times.
The meeting attracted members from all Matatu Savings and Credit Co-operatives (SACCOS).
The CS addressed the issue concerning cartels at the various Matatu terminus, commonly known as ‘kamagera’, who have become a menace to the drivers and conductors assigned to their various Matatus by their owners.
He added that he is working together with other government agencies to register such people in efforts to bring order to the sector.
“Some of the plans that the government is planning to implement in efforts to streamline the Matatu sector include the introduction of a driver’s development programme, which will also involve drivers taking tests every three years at reasonable fees. Another plan is that of having cashless Matatu payments,” said Murkomen.
According to Murkomen, this would reduce corruption involving traffic police officers, Matatu conductors, and drivers.
“The government is working to find a way to establish insurance courts to handle the many disturbing cases in the Matatu sector,” explained Murkomen.
He emphasised the matter concerning Voxys, Probox and Sientas’ vehicles which operate as public service vehicles (PSVs) without being registered.
He issued a directive to arrest all the unregistered operators, which will be effective today, Friday.
Members of the Matatu Owners Association (MOA) were led by their chairman, Albert Karakacha.
By Kelvin Waribu
