Nairobi leads as the region that flagrantly flouts the National Transport and Safety Authority’s (NTSA) regulations closely followed by Western region with Kisumu being most compliant.
The Authority’s Head of Licensing, Hared Adan said in Kakamega on Tuesday a countrywide survey showed that out of the 21 matatu Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOs) operating in Western region, only one has complied.
He said this while addressing the Regional Directors and Chairpersons of the SACCOs at a Kakamega Hotel that non-compliance is attributable to drunk driving, lack of licensing and insurance as well as carrying excess passengers.
Others include inadequate number of drivers and vehicles per Sacco (each Society is supposed to have a minimum of 30 vehicles), operating unroadworthy vehicles and giving vehicles to unlicensed drivers.
He directed that SACCOs with less than 30 vehicles should merge to ensure they comply with the provisions of section 5 (1) of NTSA regulations of 2014.
“All Passenger Service Vehicles (PSVs) must bear the Sacco’s name, be operated by a driver with a class A driving license and stick to one route,” he instructed.
The officer also directed that starting February 1, 2020, all drivers must be on a payroll and the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) and National Social Security Fund remittances effected.
He also said that the Ministry of Transport is in the process of improving its electronic system for efficient service delivery.
The Regional Police Commander (RPC), Leonard Omollo warned that Toyota Probox vehicles operating as PSV in the region would be impounded and owners charged in accordance with the laws.
Omollo said the Saccos and vehicle owners will be held responsible for drunk and reckless drivers.
The RPC said the police are going to collaborate with the county governments to rein in touts who harass matatu operators and travelers in bus termini.
By Sammy Mwibanda/Remigius Maloba
