Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has ordered a national crackdown on rogue private car owners.
Murkomen ordered the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and the National Police Service (NPS) to crack down on private vehicles operating as Public Service Vehicles (PSVs).
"As part of ongoing efforts to streamline operations and bring order and sanity to the public transport subsector, I have directed NTSA in collaboration with the police to conduct a nationwide crackdown on illegal PSVs with immediate effect," Murkomen said.
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"This directive is aimed at addressing growing cases where private vehicles are illegally converted into PSVs without adhering to the mandatory regulations and compliance measures governing public transport," he added.
Murkomen issued this directive at the Matatu Owners Association (MOA) National Delegates Conference held at Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi on November 30, 2023.
Speaking at the event, the Transport CS said the government acknowledged the immense contribution that the matatu sector plays in growing Kenya's economy.
Murkomen further outlined the measures undertaken by the government to improve the operational environment of the matatu industry.
The Transport CS said the government was fast-tracking the shift from petrol and diesel-powered vehicles to electric vehicles in an effort to combat climate change among other measures.
"The government has instituted an array of measures aimed at improving the operational environment of the industry including the establishment of Transport Saccos to enhance self-regulation, replacing the driver retesting programme with the Driver Development Programme as a booster course to impart drivers with complimentary and professional skills, and development of a roadmap towards the launch of a cashless payment system to tame leakages, stop corruption on the roads and promote accountability.
"Further, we are working with stakeholders in the sub-sector to fast-track a shift from petrol and diesel-powered vehicles to electric vehicles in an effort to combat climate change, as well as promote their participation in the planned rollout of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system as a way of reducing traffic congestion, promoting safety and security of passengers and drivers, and enhancing efficiency and professionalism in the industry," Murkomen said.
