Taita Taveta Governor Andrew Mwadime now wants the National Transport and Safety Authority to introduce regional services at the county to cushion drivers from incurring expenses while seeking their services.
He said many drivers fail to attend regular road safety check ups and inspections due to the distance to access the services in NTSA's Mombasa regional office.
While presiding over a road safety campaign organised by the Matatu Owners Association at Voi bus stage, Mwadime underscored the need for regular inspections as a way of reducing road carnage.
"Such campaigns are necessary to ensure that our vehicles are roadworthy. The only challenge is to access NTSA services since their regional office is in Mombasa. We therefore request that they go close to the drivers and offer the same services in counties," the county boss said.
Mwadime said the matatu industry plays a significant role in spurring the economy, reiterating his keen interest in supporting efforts towards creating a conducive environment for operators.
The county boss further advised drivers to shun the use of alcohol and other drugs while driving and be keen on the roads to save more lives lost through road accidents.
"Road safety should be a top priority for every driver. I advice you to be keen and desist from drug abuse that may lead to loss of life," Mwadime added.
The county boss also asked boda boda operators to be more vigilant while undertaking their daily duties, especially at night, citing increasing cases of robbery by people who target them to steal their motorbikes.
Cases of boda boda riders being killed and getting robbed of their motorbikes have been on the rise in the county, a recent case being reported in Mwatate subcounty a fortnight ago.
The MOA National chairman Albert Karakacha said the association is organising road safety campaigns across the country to help matatu drivers adhere to the law.
The campaign, he said, is meant to restore order in the sector while minimising road accidents amid the war against increased road carnage in Kenya.
"This campaign will also be extended to other counties across the country. Our prime goal is to ensure the sector becomes friendly, safe, and law abiding," Karakacha said.
He further revealed that the association is in talks with other stakeholders to have matatu drivers employed on a permanent basis.
He said the permanent employment terms will ensure that drivers are enrolled in a pension scheme, medical coverage, among other privileges.
Further, he revealed that MOA will roll out an awarding programme to fete the best drivers as a way of encouraging them to observe the law and keep the industry safe.
"We will give monthly tokens to the best drivers so that we encourage everyone to uphold road safety. Motivation is key to pushing for better results," he added.
Taita Taveta executive in charge of transport Martin Tairo asked drivers to adhere to all parking rules, noting that the department is working closely with MOA to bring sanity to the industry.
Tairo said plans are underway by the devolved unit to build a new bus park at Caltex Junction along the busy Mombasa / Nairobi highway to control illegal parking.
"We have written to the Kenya National Highway Authority, seeking their support in directing motor vehicles not to pick up, drop off, or park in undesignated places along the highway. The area falls under their jurisdiction as a highway," Tairo said.
The CEC asked MOA to hold the safety campaigns more regularly to reach out to more road users.
