- The matatu operators boss implored drivers to desist from drunk driving, speeding and carrying excess passengers and adhere to traffic rules.
- Karagacha appealed to the traffic police to deal with registered matatu Saccos.
The Matatu Owners Association has called for monthly national road safety campaigns to reduce the rampant road carnage across the country.
MOA president Albert Karagacha suggested that the exercise should have a multi-pronged approach with the involvement of the National Transport and Safety Authority and other stakeholders like the Kenya Red Cross Society.
“The road clinics initiative will educate drivers and significantly reduce the number of police crackdowns on matatus and traffic-related court cases. The crackdowns have highly affected our businesses and we are ready to sit down with the state agencies to promote road safety," Karagacha said.
Speaking during a road safety campaign held at Kisumu bus terminus, he revealed that they have held similar clinics in Meru, Nyeri and Nairobi. Their next stops in the coming days will be Kakamega, Bungoma and Kitale.
The matatu operators boss implored drivers to desist from drunk driving, speeding and carrying excess passengers and adhere to traffic rules to safeguard the lives of passengers.
Karagacha appealed to the traffic police to deal with registered matatu Saccos and not individual vehicle owners or drivers when handling traffic offences.
He further advised fellow operators to avoid carrying excess passengers and failing to stop when flagged down by a traffic police officer.
Nyanza regional traffic officer Allan Mwangi cautioned motorists against speeding and to always strive to ensure that their vehicles are compliant.
“Don’t run away when you are stopped by the traffic police officer, avoid carrying excess passengers and drunk driving. We are not your enemies and we would like to work together with the matatu saccos," Mwangi said.
Edwin Binale, an NTSA vehicle inspection officer, said the inspection exercises they carry out aren't based on enmity but to ensure that the vehicles are roadworthy and have competent drivers who possess valid documents.
“We also advise passengers not to board full vehicles and pedestrians should be on the lookout for zebra crossings, footbridges and walkaways," Binale said.
He called upon the matatu owners to ensure their vehicles are fitted with speed governors to reduce the rise of road accidents and protect the passengers' lives.
One of the highlights of the event was the voluntary inspection of about 200 vehicles by NTSA.
MOA boss Karagacha presented a 14-seater vehicle worth Sh 3.5 million as a gift to MOA Kisumu donated by GB Auto.
He further promised to add three more vehicles in the next month through a collaboration with Kenya Commercial Bank.
“We urge you to operate and manage it well to uplift your living standards and ensure that you buy more. Currently, we are also working on how to ensure all the youths at the Kisumu bus park get the PSV badges,’’ Karakacha said.