Transport on many roads within Murang’a County was paralyzed on Monday after police descended on Public Service Vehicles (PSV) flouting Ministry of Health covid-19 guidelines.
Some vehicles were intercepted and nabbed after they were found operating without the required certification by the Ministry of Health.
Passengers in some routes were left stranded as police moved to enforce regulations put by the Ministry of Health to contain the spread of coronavirus.
PSVs are supposed to get certification from the health department and NTSA to ensure they adhere to measures put in place to combat the spread of covid-19.
Speaking to KNA from his office, the Murang’a North Traffic Commander, Julius Marwa said they have arrested about 30 drivers who were operating without clearance from the department of health.
All PSVs, Marwa noted, are being subjected for inspection and after they are found compliant in meeting the required conditions, they are issued with certification allowing them to continue with businesses.
“Majority of Saccos in Murang’a have met the health protocols but there are those who are trying to hide and we have deployed officers to nab the culprits,” noted the commandant.
The security officers were out to check if passengers have adhered to stipulated sitting arrangement, if the crew had valid licenses and if they have thermos guns to check temperature of passengers before boarding.
Vehicles which have not met the requirements opted to stay away from roads leaving passengers stranded.
The Murang’a County Public Officer, Muthui Gitonga said the exercise of inspecting matatus was going on and owners of the vehicles should ensure they have certification before ferrying passengers.
Muthui appealed to those working in the matatu sector to adhere to given health protocols to control spread of covid-19 currently on rise.
Meanwhile, transport in Kangema Sub County resumed after the Murang’a county government moved in to resolve rivalry among local saccos.
Namu Shuttle Sacco was allocated a parking bay at Kangema main matatu terminus resolving the wrangles which saw public transport in the area paralyzed for the past one week.
Officials of dormant matatu operators in Kangema, including Kangema Travelers, Muigana, Mathioya and Kamuna Saccos had protested entry of Namu shuttle citing unhealthy competition in the sector.
On Saturday, the County Executive Member for Transport and infrastructure, Eng. Amos Njoroge asked all saccos to embrace fair competition, saying Namu sacco has been allocated parking bay at the main stage and not at Gakira market as it was alleged.
“Matatus plying Kangema-Murang’a – Nairobi road will be using the main terminus and those heading to Kanyenyaini, Rwathia, Kiriaini and Nyeri will be using Gakira market. All operators are required to maintain order and embrace fair competition,” added Njoroge.
By Bernard Munyao
