The TukTuk Operators Network has launched a national wide registration campaign for members to restore sanity in the sub-sector.
Operators of the three-wheeled public motorcycle taxis (Tuk-Tuk) will register on the national Transport Safety Authority (NTSA) portal.
TukTuk Operators Network National Chairman Vincent Were said the registration was not only in line with the government’s regulations but also targets to streamline operations in the sector.
Asking all operators to register, Were said the move will help weed out criminals and underage drivers who have infiltrated the sector.
He added that once sanity is restored, members will be able to form and join Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCO’s) to empower themselves.
The ongoing reorganization in the sector, he said, will attract funding from the government and other partners to help them expand their businesses.
“Once we are registered and organized we shall be able to get funds from the government, banks and micro finance institutions,” he said.
The operators, he added, were angling to take a slice of the Hustler Fund to be launched by President William Ruto on December 1st urging all members to ensure they register ahead of the launch.
“I am asking all the operators to take advantage and get registered now. You will not benefit from the Hustler Fund if you are nor organized and registered,” he said.
Addressing the media in Kisumu, Were said the operators who have been lacking access to credit will now be able to negotiate with banks through their respective groups to get cheaper credit.
The association, he said, has partnered with Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) to sensitize the operators of financial management and at the same time help them access cheaper loans.
Tuk Tuk Association of Kisumu Chairman Michael Mboya said the move was set to revolutionize the sector which is reeling from the effect of Covid-19 and high fuel prices.
Lack of access to credit, he said, remained the biggest challenge for TukTuk operators with a number of them getting expensive loans from Microfinance Institutions which are expensive to service.
“We have members who are servicing very expensive loans taking years to clear before they can fully own their Tuk Tuk,” he said.
The ongoing registration, he said, was a positive move to restore sanity and public confidence in the sector.
By Chris Mahandara
