Matatu Saccos that ply their trade on roads in Bungoma, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu and Kakamega have begun an internal analysis of the state of their vehicles and their operations with a view of taming the road carnage that has been consistent in the past few months, notably the black spot at Kaburengu. Speaking in Webuye, Webuye Shuttle Sacco chairman Mr. John Max Wafula, who also doubles up as the chairman of the internal analysis taskforce bringing together three Saccos-Kitale Link, Trans West Sacco and Webuye Shuttle Sacco-said they began the internal operation to make sure all the vehicles and drivers have all the requirements needed to operate well.
He said they started the operation after noting that some traffic police officers had neglected their services by allowing PSVs to be driven recklessly, carry excess passengers and even allowing unroadworthy vehicles to operate. He said some drivers who lack the required documents have also been given a free pass, “NTSA has given the Saccos the chance to check the daily operations of the PSVs and we decided to come up with the initiative,” he said, “Anytime we find an overloaded matatu or one that is speeding, drivers who don’t have the required documents, there is a fine, and this is the best way to make sure they operate within the rules.” He reiterated that police officers have failed in their duties in the past two months and that private vehicles are now ferrying passengers, especially the probox vehicles, which aren’t licensed to venture into public transport.
