Nairobi signals end of the road for rogue PSV operators

Rogue matatu owners have their days numbered under proposed regulations that will tighten vetting of public service vehicle operators in the Nairobi metropolitan area.

The newly published Nairobi Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (Namata) Bill provides that clearance for operation of public service vehicles will be based on their reputation, financial standing and professional competency.

President Uhuru Kenyatta established Namata in February through an Executive Order to provide a dynamic and achievable platform that will resolve decades-old traffic challenges in Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos, Kajiado and Murang’a.

“Upon satisfying the national requirement prescribed by regulations, Namata shall issue a certificate of operation to an operator to carry on any public service vehicles operations within the metropolitan area,” reads the Bill sponsored by Aden Duale, the Majority Leader in the National Assembly. This means that getting a clearance from the national authorities such as the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) will only be the first step towards operating PSVs in the Nairobi Metropolitan area, with final authority only coming upon clearance by Namata.

This is the latest effort to tame the PSV menace in the city, where a number of key streets have been taken over by matatus and tuned into parking bays and stages. By streamlining the ownership of PSVs, the government hopes to bring discipline in the industry, where the Saccos take more responsibility for the actions of their members.

Drivers of PSVs have also not been spared under the new legislation which calls for mandatory fresh training and vetting before issuance of driver’s licence, with periodic refresher courses to weed out rogue drivers.

“We hope this will be an advanced driver training, especially for those coming in for the first time,” said Simon Kimutai, chairman of the Matatu Owners Association (MOA). He said that while MOA has been agitating for training of drivers in order to sharpen their skills on the road, it will be keen on the structure and programme of the training.

“The directorate of motor vehicle inspection carries out an annual PSV inspection to ascertain compliance. We hope that the Namata certification compliments the national one and is not going to be just a PR exercise,” said Mr Kimutai.

Crippling traffic gridlocks have become a common feature in Nairobi owing to the city’s ever growing population of dwellers and vehicles. There are around 400 saccos and companies under which PSVs are registered.

Despite Nairobi population increasing to over 3.3 million from 350,000 in 1963, little input has gone to grow its road network, which has further escalated congestion.

Namata which will be funded by the Exchequer releases from the national and county governments will facilitate drivers and operator competency trainings.

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Upon enactment of the bill the Treasury cabinet secretary will be required to establish the Namata Fund from which the Authority will draw monies authorised by its board.

The authority which is expected to operate as an independent body, shall be run by a board that will recruit a Director General whose tenure shall be valid for a period of three years and can be renewed once.

Once the Namata law comes into operation, the authority will be responsible for the design and specification of all public transport routes and services routes.

The Bill which has undergone first reading in Parliament now needs to be committed to the relevant departmental committee for deliberation before it proceeds to the next stage.

Parliament is yet to establish its committees following a protracted electioneering period that has led to quorum issues and a divided House.

Departmental committees are mandated to deliberate on bills, petitions and regulations developed by State corporations and government entities.