Probox cars set to get PSV licences in matatus regulation

Travellers board a Toyota Probox on Nakuru-Elementaita Road, August 21, 2018. PHOTO | SILA KIPLAGAT | NMG

What you need to know:

  • Transport Principal Secretary Esther Koimett said the law review will allow for regulation of the low-capacity vehicles that account for significant share of the matatu business in the rural areas.
  • The vehicles are barred from offering public transport services under the Traffic Act and have been cited for overloading, carrying as many as 10 passengers for 5-seater car.

A law review is on the cards for Toyota Probox and Toyota Sienta to operate as public service vehicles and ease their regulation.

Transport Principal Secretary Esther Koimett said the law review will allow for regulation of the low-capacity vehicles that account for significant share of the matatu business in the rural areas.

The vehicles are barred from offering public transport services under the Traffic Act and have been cited for overloading, carrying as many as 10 passengers for 5-seater car.

“They are not defined as PSVs and we cannot regulate them. The idea is to bring them under a regulatory mechanism and we are looking at how to bring them on board,” Ms Koimett told the Business Daily on phone. “It is a matter of looking at the current law and making the necessary changes.” Ms Koimett said bringing the cars under the law will ensure they do not carry excess passengers.

The move look set to trigger a sharp rise in Probox and Toyota Sienta imports since thay are cheaper than the 14-seater vans.

The government banned the use of Probox as PSVs in 2015 over increased accidents due overloading, speeding and reckless driving.

Local insurance firm Kenya Orient stopped issuing risk cover for Toyota Probox last year, citing the high cost of insuring the car in Embu, Meru and Kisumu where they are popular due to frequent accidents.

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