Matatu operators claim bias in new city plan

By Protus Murunga and Patrick Beja

Long distance matatu operators have threatened to go on strike over the Nairobi City Councils’ new route structure.

Those plying the Narok, Bomet, Kisii, Kilgoris and Kericho routes claimed there was discrimination during relocation.

They also claimed other matatus operating on the same routes, but from different companies are still operating in the city centre.

They said the relocation has led to huge losses on their part, since they have not ferried any passengers from the new terminus.

They said the Westlands terminus is also being controlled by cartels, which are demanding Sh40,000 from each matatu.

Speaking on behalf of the 15 companies affected, the group’s chairman Christopher Maritim said the law was being applied selectively.

Double standards

"The City Council’s decision is unreasonable given the surrounding circumstances. The decision was rushed and lacks fairness as required of all administrative rules," he said.

Mr Maritim claimed matatus from Central and Eastern provinces operating on the same routes have been allowed into the city centre.

They alleged a plot to bring down investors from certain communities.

Maritim also said many passengers have been inconvenienced since they have to travel all the way to Westlands to board a matatu.

Key stakeholders

Meanwhile, Nairobi Metropolitan Minister Robinson Githae has warned the City Council against enacting new traffic regulations without involving his ministry and key stakeholders.

Mr Githae said the council’s decision to bar Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) from the city could not work.

Speaking in Mombasa after closing the Architectural Association of Kenya convention at the weekend, the minister said the original plan was for PSVs to take passengers to the city centre from major designated routes.

He said people using private cars should be encouraged to use public transport from outside the city centre to ease congestion.

"The council notice barring PSVs from the city centre is premature and cannot work," he said.

Githae said his ministry would pursue the original plans and encourage investors to buy buses with larger capacities.

"The co-ordination role of the ministry is sometimes frustrated by bureaucracy and turf wars," he said.

Githae said all ministries were established with the blessings of the President and Prime Minister and they must work in harmony.