Commuters stranded as matatus withdraw over Michuki traffic rules crackdown

Passengers on a packed commuter train at the Mutindwa station [Standard]

Commuters were stranded on Monday morning as authorities moved to enforce public transport safety rules in Kenya. Several passengers were forced to walk to their destinations as the crackdown by police intensified.

Passengers walking home along thika road due to the matatu strike and enforcement on michuki rules on 12th november 2018 [David Gichuru, Standard]

 

The few public vehicles that were in operation after complying with the rules hiked or doubled their fares to various destinations.

Other passengers resorted to using the train. The commuter trains were overloaded as there were few matatus operating due to non-compliance of the ‘Michuki rules’.

Commuters scramble to get in a train in Donholm, Nairobi on Monday, November 12 2018. Thousands of Nairobians were forced to walk to work as crackdown on non-compliant matatus kicks off in the city [David Njaaga, Standard]

Motorists who did not comply were yesterday arrested, charged and fined for various traffic offences.

Police officers arrest a boda boda rider at KFA roundabout in Nakuru Town on November 12, 2018 the day national crackdown on un-roadworthy vehicles and Motorbikes commenced. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

Motorcycle operators faced charges of failing to provide their pillion passengers with helmets and reflectors and also operating the motorcycles without permits.

Motorbikes being taken to Nakuru central police station by a breakdown vehicle after the riders were arrested by Police officers at KFA roundabout in Nakuru Town on November 12, 2018.[Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

In Kakamega, 70 motorists were arrested. Many of them were boda-boda riders and matatu drivers. Riders who were found with uninsured motorcycles were fined Sh3,000 with an alternative of two-months imprisonment.

Following the ongoing crackdown of vehicles that have not complied with traffic act of 2003 that was initiated this are some of the activities found on different roads in Kakamega.[BY DUNCAN OCHOLLA, Standard]

Officers were also yesterday caught on camera transporting desperate commuters stranded following a crackdown on traffic law offenders.

They charged Sh400, instead of the usual Sh200 charged by public service vehicle operators on the same stretch in normal circumstances

A police vehicle carrying passengers towards Nakuru along Marigat - Nakuru road on November 12, 2018. The officers took advantage of enforcement of the National Transport Safety Authority (NTSA) Act and Traffic Act to transport passengers that were stranded at Marigat bus terminus [Kipsang Joseph/Standard]