Parents with school-going children in Nairobi have a reason to smile after Governor Johnson Sakaja announced they will be transported for free following a meeting with the matatu operators at City Hall.
In a consultative forum that lasted for more than 3 hours, Sakaja pleaded with the operators urging them not to be leaving school-going children at bus stages anytime they come across them.
He said the directive will be implemented by all the matatu Sacco’s that operate within Nairobi in a bid to ease access to education for thousands of learners in the City County.
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"One thing I have realized is that most of our children come from very humble backgrounds. They not only lack food but transport is another issue. Kindly be ferrying them to school for free. Some I know go to school because of the free feeding program which I have established", he said.
Sakaja said the agreement will only be implemented for the kids with uniforms.
Held a successful engagement with all Nairobi Matatu SACCOS earlier today where we have agreed on a raft of measures to restore order and sanity in the city. Grateful for the cooperation from the sector. pic.twitter.com/CAJyCuiOgr
— Sakaja Arthur Johnson (@SakajaJohnson) November 18, 2022
However, the county boss urged the operators not to misuse the agreement by carrying excess passengers.
" I caution you to be responsible. Do not abuse this directive to carry excess passengers lest you find yourself in trouble with the traffic police. As the county government, we will involve them to ensure that they do not arrest matatus carrying students,” he said.
A spot check by K24 Digital across the capital, most school-going children are usually forced to walk since most of their parents cannot afford the daily bus fare.
Going forward Sakaja said the team will also consider those leaving with disability to see if they can be accommodated in the agreement.
