Transport Cabinet Kipchumba Murkomen has ordered crackdown on private vehicles illegally operating as Public Service Vehicles (PSVs).
Speaking during the Matatu Owners Association (MOA) national delegates conference on Thursday, the CS directed the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) commence the operation immediately.
Murkomen noted that the move is aimed addressing growing cases where private vehicles are illegally converted into PSVs without adhering to the mandatory regulations and compliance measures governing public transport.
“As part of ongoing efforts to streamline operations and bring order & sanity to the public transport subsector, I have this afternoon directed NTSA, in collaboration with the NPS to conduct a nationwide crackdown on illegal Public Transport Vehicles with immediate effect,” the CS directed.
Murkomen said the government has instituted a raft of measures to improve operations of the matatu industry such as the establishment of transport saccos to enhance self-regulation.
The measures also include replacing of driver retesting programme with driver development programme as a booster course to impart drivers with complimentary and professional skills.
“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,” said Murkomen.
The CS said the government will ensure participation by stakeholders in the planned rollout of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system aimed at reducing traffic congestion and enhancing efficiency and professionalism in the industry.
