Murkomen faulted for ‘ignoring’ matatu owners in efforts to streamline industry
By Kevin CheruiyotMatatu Owners Association has expressed its displeasure with Cabinet Secretary for Transport Kipchumba Murkomen for locking them out of key meetings that have impacted he matatu industry.
The association has also criticized the recent move from the Ministry of Transport to clampdown on speeding, overloading of goods and excess passengers on all the roads in the country.
The association’s CEO Ms Patricia Mutheu, said the matatu industry plays a big role in the country’s development and they should be involved in any roundtable meetings in the transport sector since they are stakeholders.
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“We underline the necessity of working with the right stakeholders because it will allow the government to decide the best avenues to channel resources to empower matatu sacco personnel through Tvet and other institutions that can strengthen the matatu crew abilities,” Ms Mutheu said.
Mrs Mutheu said that if they are involved to a greater extent by the government in policy formulation, the matatu industry will be more organised.
The association also lamented that even after the court asked the National Transport and safety Authority (NTSA) to drop certificate of good conduct as a requirement in processing of valid driving license, nothing has been done.
“Before issuing such harsh directions, we recommend that the government analyse areas where they have failed, address them consultatively and then take actions once they have also adhered to what is demanded of them,” Ms Mutheu said.
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The association has proposed that the government should interrogate youth through institutions such as Tvet and NYS where they may apply their creativity.
The government has also been asked to address the issue of illegal non PSVs operating in remote towns.
The association’s stance comes amid effort by the government to reduce cases of road accidents in the country.
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