Report on public transport woes hits roadblock

By ISAIAH LUCHELIThe taskforce to look into woes of public transport sector was lauded by many as a step forward, but three months after the report, it has run into a hurdle.The recommendations of the taskforce are yet to be implemented, as blame game between the matatu sector and police continues.The taskforce formed by Prime Minister Raila Odinga released the report in a record one week.The Government, Matatu Welfare Association (MWA), Matatu Owners Association (MOA) and commuters expressed optimism the implementation of the report would bring sanity on the roads.The far-reaching recommendations include police officers and their spouses being banned from owning matatus while those engaged in the business are required to withdraw their vehicles to avoid conflict of interest.The officers are also banned from owning breakdown trucks, which are used to exploit motorists. Matatu owners always are required to maintain a single colour with the yellow strip on their vehicles and get rid of the ear shattering music systems. Installation of speed governors, safety belts, and recruiting disciplined crew are some of the issues the taskforce recommends. Traffic Commandant Joseph ole Tito, however, claims MOA had not furnished his office with names of officers who own matatus to facilitate action."After the handing over of the report to the PM it was agreed that MOA gives the list of police officers who own matatus, but they are yet to do so," he says.But MOA Chairman Sammy Kimutai says the implementation of the report has become a cat and mouse game because there was no follow up after the release of the recommendations."We made it clear that matatus owned by police officers are known and they are not registered in the officers’ names. Some have been registered in their spouses’ names or relatives," claims Kimutai.He explains the association would meet Nairobi PC on the implementation of the recommendations. "Lack of follow up and failure to give direction on how the recommendation should have been implemented is to blame for the current problem," he says.Matatu crackdownInternal Security PS Francis Kimemia, who was the chairman of the taskforce, explains the recommendations were reached during a meeting involving matatu owners, members of the welfare association, and police.Reports have it that the number of officers with matatus has been rising while others have changed ownership of their vehicles to conceal their identity.MWA Chairman Dickson Mbugua claims more than 30 per cent of matatus are owned by police officers. "When crackdowns are conducted none of the vehicles belonging to a police officer is impounded," says Mbugua.Tito urges MOA to hand over the list of police officers who own matatus to facilitate action.

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Report on public transport woes hits roadblock

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