Matatu Owners Association's Mbarak nominated as second deputy, vows to push for better roads

Salim Mbarak / BRIAN OTIENO

Salim Mbarak has been nominated as the second deputy president of the Matatu Owners Association.

The September 1 nomination by the MOA National Executive Council is subject to ratification by the National Governing Council when it sits next.

It is not clear when the NGC will sit next.

Mbarak, who was holding the MOA Coast coordinator position prior to the nomination, has accepted the nomination saying he will continue working to streamline the matatu industry across the country.

Mbarak, a soft spoken person from Mombasa, has been instrumental in the shaping of the matatu industry at the Coast region, pushing for reforms that are commuter-driven.

“I thank MOA president Albert Karakacha, the NEC and all the Saccos at the Coast for having faith in my leadership.

“The matatu industry is one of the most powerful industries that drive the Kenyan economy and it needs distinct and strong leadership to move the country,” Mbarak said.

The MOA was established in 2003, and has been a strong negotiator, working with the government to ensure smooth transportation of commuters to and from their workplaces daily.

Mbarak said he will push for better roads in Mombasa, the Coast region and across the country saying matatu owners incur a lot of expenses in repair of their vehicles due to poor roads, especially in rural areas.

He noted that vehicle pay the fuel levy, part of which is used for maintenance of roads.

“In Mombasa, for example, there are ongoing road construction works. But some places have stayed for long in poor condition,” Mbarak noted,

He called for expedition of the dualing of the New Malindi Road.

He also said the fuel prices are extremely high forcing matatus to pass the cost onto commuters.

“We are not happy when commuters complain of high fares. But we have no choice because we have to fuel our vehicles for them to operate,” he said.

In Mombasa alone, about 40 per cent of the estimated 1.4 million residents use public transportation as their main mode of travel.

Some 45 per cent of the population walks while three per cent use personal cars, according to studies in 2020.

This means about 440,000 people in Mombasa use public transportation, with matatus being the dominant public transport means.

Some 11 per cent of Mombasa residents use boda bodas, while four per cent use tuk-tuks. Only one per cent of residents cycle as their main means of transport.

By December 2019, Mombasa had registered 4,021 matatus, which carry 36 per cent of trips in the city.

Among matatus, 14-seat vehicles are dominant

The county had 67 registered taxis, 255 minibuses and 172 buses, bringing the total to 12,542 public transport vehicles.

Instant Analysis:

Public transport is a primary means of getting around the city for a significant portion of the population. Policies are in place to further promote public transport and non-motorized transport options to reduce reliance on personal cars.