President Uhuru Kenyatta abandons limousine, pays Shs 30 Matatu fare from State House to KICC

President Uhuru Kenyatta uses his card to pay for a ride after registering for the new cashless payment system for public service vehicles at State House, Nairobi.

NAIROBI, KENYA: President Uhuru Kenyatta made history of sorts when he abandoned his limosine , jumped into a matatu  and paid his Sh 30 fare  for a journey between State House and  Kenyatta  International Convention Centre (KICC) to the surprise of members  of the public and security officers enroute.

Many Kenyans  including matatu owners, drivers and touts  were amazed to find the matatu carrying the president edged between security vehicles and being escorted to the KICC where the Head of State launched the  PSV cashless 1963 card during the Matatu Owners Association Annual Delegates  Conference.

The new cashless system now means commuters will no longer need to carry  cash money for fare which will now be done electronically.

Before taking the matatu ride, President Kenyatta registered for the new Public Service Vehicle(PSV) 1963 cashless card to test its workability as he jovially interacted with the driver and the conductor..

During the ride, bus conductor Absalom Omuhatia charged the President who also paid fare for Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore, his private Secretary Jomo Gecaga and Transport CS Michael Kamau.

“In the event something happened during a matatu ride and you needed a refund, the cashless system makes it easy, for the crew in the Matatu,” Omuhatia explained to the Head of State

Adding, “We are even ready to go and get trained by NYS so that we can have acceptable standards in our operations.”

The new cashless fare system will revolutionize the public transport industry and also ensure accountability in the sector.

The 1963 electronic payment system provides investors in the sector with proper controls and relieves stakeholders of the risks involved in carrying cash.

 “This new system brings convenience, security and accountability all at once. As the system is implemented, I urge investors to avoid loading extra costs on passengers, just like they do not increase fare because they have bought a new bus” the President said.

The President commended the matatu industry for working hard to shed its former image of being a rogue and lawless industry. The adoption of cashless transactions will also make the sector crime-proof.

 “During your deliberations here today, and in days to come, you will agree on ways of improving safety and enhancing compliance with traffic rules and transport regulations,” the President said.

Transport Cabinet Secretary Engineer Michael Kamau commended the industry players for partnering with Government to improve safety on the roads adding that the reforms being instituted in the sector are intended to improve and entrench self-regulation by the operators.

Matatu Owners Association (MOA) Chairman Simon Kimutai on his part said, “With the 1963 card we will be able to address a number of challenges including ensuring that Matatu crews are well paid and have access to NHIF and NSSF”