EasyCoach win top transport award

By Standard Reporter

Escalating fuel prices and the weakening shilling are taking their toll on long distance transport companies. Industry players are feeling the heat of imported inflation, which has raised the cost of spare parts, tyres and completely knocked down (CKD) kits for vehicles.

The Chairman of the Association of Kenya Insurers, Stephen Wandera (right), presents the ‘The Best Bus Fleet’ award and certificate to EasyCoach Managing Director Azym Dossa (centre) and Company Director Zully Adatia during this year’s AKI Road Safety Awards at a Nairobi Hotel.

The fact that fuel prices have gone up by a huge percentage this year has only cmade the already high cost of doing business unbearable. Worst still, the economic pinch has been felt by the entire global economy, forcing investors in the long distance transport industry to regulate prices according to market trends, a move that is said to hurt consumers.

Paying heavily

EasyCoach Bus Company Managing Director, Azym Dossa, says investors are paying heavily in order to conduct business, a fact that has seen some players in the sector drop out. He cited the World Bank’s survey on ‘Doing Business in Kenya 2012’, which reveals some of the challenges facing businesses in Kenya. These include the doubling of charges for business permits and other local authority that directly affect branded vehicles, territorial entry fees. He says local investors are forced to shoulder these setbacks, which they say are inconvenient and taxing.

Dossa was speaking at the sidelines of this year’s Association of Kenya Insure’s (AKI) Road Safety Awards event in Nairobi, where his firm won the ‘Best Bus Fleet award. During the same event, Andrew Mokaya of EasyCoach was voted ‘The Best Bus Driver’ of the year.

Received accolades

EasyCoach, which commenced its operations in 2003, has consistently received accolades from the Transport Licensing Board and the Police Traffic Department for ardently adhering to the Highway Code and tough traffic rules popularly referred to as the "Michuki rules".

Dossa advises companies to focus on customer needs, evaluate expectations, provide products geared towards customer’s wellbeing, and wait to reap the benefits derived from that outcome.

"I believe our approach to the whole business has endeared us to our customers. We make sure our vehicles are in good condition. They are safe to use, comfortable and above all we ensure a reliable and predictable service," explains Mr Dossa.

Dominated transport

EasyCoach has dominated the public transport sector of the Nairobi-Kisumu-Busia highway. But the firm is till facing competition from other companies that want a share of the pie.

For instance, the Modern Coast Bus, Mash Bus and Coast Bus that mostly ply the Mombasa-Nairobi-Kisumu highway, have recently introduced elegant buses with the aim of assuring comfort for passengers. The Horizon and Coast Bus also has hostesses on board who usher in passengers, and provide them with drinks and snacks.

But the EasyCoach management says it beats the competition by striving not to comprise customer service principle that stresses on their five pillars, which include safety, security, punctuality, comfort and reliability.

The company recently launched its Kampala route, saying it was a springboard to other destinations in the region. The company intends to open more branches and outlets in Uganda and other regional countries as soon as volumes and practicability are established. It is also conducting surveys to determine whether its infrastructure and capacities can support such development.