We’re losing Sh400m daily in standoff, say matatu owners

Matatu owners say their daily earnings have dropped by three quarters since public service vehicle operators withdrew their services in protest of ‘Michuki rules’ across the country.

The Matatu Owners Association (MOA) chairman Simon Kimutai said the public transport sector lost about Sh400 million daily from Monday when vehicles belonging to most members kept away from the roads.

“Matatu sector generates about Sh500 million per day in revenue and this has shrunk by about 80 per cent since vehicle operators kept off the road on Monday,” he said.

The economy, he said, risks losing billions should operators keep off the roads for more days.

He called for review of transport sector rules, which he said are archaic.

“The rules governing PSVs are outdated. We agreed during our meeting with the Interior ministry which took place yesterday (on Monday) to review some of the laws,” he said.

The transport hitch which hit a number of routes across the country saw Kenya Railway increase the number and frequency of passenger trains in Nairobi to ease the pain caused by the matatu strike.

Under the new changes which takes effect immediately, the Kikuyu commuter train which travels into the city via Dagoretti market and Kibera using two trains, will now have three trains.

The Ruiru train which comes into the city via Kahawa leaving at 6.00am will have three additional trains. The route has been using two trains. The Embakasi commuter train, which has been carrying between 150 and170 passengers per trip, making stops at Donholm and Makadara to pick passengers, will have two more trains.