Uhuru lifts ban on importation of 14-seater matatus, allows graphics

NAIROBI, KENYA: President Uhuru Kenyatta has lifted the ban on the importation of 14-seater matatus plying long distance routes for the safety of passengers.

"After wide consultations and research involving my government and stakeholders, it has become clear that a blanket ban on the 14-seater Public Service Vehicles for long distances and rural transport may not be appropriate at this time," he said.

While launching the cashless fare payment system President Kenyatta said it will revolutionise the public transport industry.

"The new electronic payment system provides investors in the sector with proper control and relieves stakeholders of the risks involved in carrying cash. The cashless fare system also ensures accountability," he said.

The launch of the cashless transport system coincided with the Matatu Owners Association annual delegates meeting at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi Wednesday.

"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," the President said.

DIGITAL TRACKING

President Kenyatta rode in a matatu fitted with a digital tracking system from State House Nairobi to KICC. He urged the transport industry players to support and comply with government's efforts to reduce congestion through the elimination of low capacity vehicles in the main cities.

"This ban will not be implemented to ensure that operators continue to invest in new, roadworthy and therefore, safer transport for rural and long distance routes," he said.

Saying regulations evolve in tandem with social change, President Kenyatta gave owners of double-cabin vans a sigh of relief after categorising their vehicles as family utility cars.

"Having considered public appeals and consulted appropriately, it is time for Government to review the category of this type of vehicle in order to recognise it as private, not commercial vehicle," the President said.

Apart from lifting the ban on the 14-seater vehicles, Uhuru directed that traffic police officers to stop impounding buses with graphics.

"I don't have a problem with graphics, as long as they don't obstruct the driver and passengers' safety is guaranteed. Let the young people get a way of living," added President Kenyatta.

This, he said, this will help create jobs for the youth.

He acknowledged the close collaboration between the governors of Nairobi, Kiambu, Murang'a, Machakos and Kajiado counties with the national Government on a modern and efficient mass transit system for the Nairobi Metropolitan Area.

He urged transporters to work within the framework and invest aggressively, especially in the bus rapid system.

"This opportunity will require you to be more organised to engage my government, the devolved units, financiers and development partners," he said.

The President said new policies and regulations formulated by the government in conjunction with stakeholders have enhanced safety on our roads by at least 25 per cent.

CRIME-PROOF SECTOR

He commended the matatu industry for working hard to shed its former image of lawlessness and even crime, saying adoption of the cashless transactions will also crime-proof the sector.

Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero said the matatu industry accounts for 78 per cent of commuters on Kenyan roads, adding that the planned construction of the first rapid bus transit systems in Nairobi to decongest our roads will commence soon.

"A city is only as efficient as its transport system and its ability to move people and goods from one place to another. Nairobi is no exception. Besides being a regional hub, this capital city is also the commercial nerve centre of the country, accounting for over 60 per cent of Kenya's GDP," said Dr Kidero.

The absence of a bankable public solution to passenger transport means that many Nairobians have resorted to a private solution: the purchase of personal cars.

Statistics from the Ministry of Transport show that the growth in the number of personal cars stands at 6.4 per cent per year.