The public transport industry in Kenya is dominated by the private sector matatus which vary from the 14 seater minibuses to 29 – 60 seater buses. Ever since the famous ‘Michuki’ rules that sought to streamline the transport sector, there have been several others that have been put forward to tame this often chaotic and wild industry that has been characterized by increasing road accidents that have led to excessive road carnage on Kenyan roads. The Kenya traffic rules that were revised last in 2012 increased the punishment for reckless driving but they seem not to have effectively done their job as it is only the bribes that got more hefty. humanitarian.worldconcern.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/matatu.jpg The moves to streamline the industry are being applied slowly but gradually with rules like having matatu operators join SACCOS and also the government ceasing to register any more 14-seater operators in a move to have more high capacity public service vehicles. In the new rules a person shall not be allowed to operate a vehicle for long distance passenger public services unless the vehicle has a valid licence issued by the regulator which is the National Transport Safety Authority (NTSA). This is to bring to force the NTSA Act enacted last year. The licensed operators will also have to employ drivers who are certified by the authority. They will be allowed to drive on the particular route at night time. Other regulations set out in the new rules include issuance of tickets to passengers in PSV’s, making public fare tariffs and log distance operators will have to maintain a travellers’ manifest for each journey. Firms in public transport will also be required to follow labour regulations such as statutory deductions, health and safety of the workplace, Work Injury Benefit Act (WIBA) insurance, statutory leave days and written contracts of employment for staff. The rules to be gazetted later this month restrict issuance of public service licences to companies that own at least 5 vans
Posted on: Mon, 07 Oct 2013 07:14:45 +0000
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