Coast matatu operators set conditions for ending strike

Matatu owners in the coastal region want the government to clarify some issues, where traffic rules are concerned, before they can return to the roads.

Salim Mbarak, Coastal Region Coordinator of the Matatu Owners Association (MOA), said they lost about Sh150 million when the operation for enforcement of Michuki rules officially began on Monday.

CONTENTIOUS ISSUES

They stayed away in protest against the enforcement of the rules so hundreds of passenger service vehicles (PSVs)were seen parked at petrol stations.

Mr Mbarak said they want the government, through Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i, to clarify the yellow line issue before operations resume.

He added that although about 25 percent of PSVs in the region have complied with the Michuki rules, operators are worried that they will be impounded.

“Dr Matiang'i should tell us if the yellow line should be broken broken or continuous. Another issue is that of conductors and drivers wearing uniforms. According to the rules, both the owner of the PSV and the sacco will be charged if the operators don’t wear uniforms. That is unfair,” he said, noting crew members should carry their own crosses.

“We want to go back to work as we are suffering but we need clarity on the contentious issues. Considering the 7,000 PSVs in the region, we lose about Sh150 million in a day. Some of our members who have loans from banks have incurred losses after withdrawing their vehicles."

NO CHOICE

The coordinator said they have no choice but to remain on strike until these issues are ironed out.

“Issues such as that of punishing matatu owners must be sorted. Meanwhile, I urge the MOA to install safety belts and speed governors," he said.

Among those affected were candidates of the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations. They were ferried to their centres in police cars.

Mombasa County Police Commander Johnston Ipara said a multi-agency security team was deployed to ensure motorists adhere to the regulations.

Operations will be round the clock, he said, after the arrests of at least 199 motorists who committed various offences.

The crackdown comes just before the end-year holidays when the number of road accidents increases as many people travel for celebrations.