A public transport crisis hit the country on Monday morning after matatu operators kicked off their protests against the return of the Michuki Rules.
By 4.30am, the few vehicles available in Nairobi routes had doubled fares as hundreds of commuters chose to walk to their destinations amid the matatu shortage.
A spot check on Jogoo-Outer Ring Road revealed that fares had shot up to Sh. 200 from Pipeline to the Central Business District (CBD) as commuters in Donholm parted with Sh. 100 more than the usual Sh. 30-Sh. 50 fares.
Trains that usually operate on few routes in Nairobi were full of passengers. Passengers were seen scrambling to board the trains that were available. There were plans to announce the trains will operate hourly. Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi announced the enforcement of the rules popularly known as Michuki rules as part of efforts to bring sanity in roads.
After the officials announced the enforcement of the law, the Federation of Public Transport Operators declared their members will pull their vehicles off the roads in protest against the new traffic guidelines.
“Any PSV vehicle, drivers, SACCOs/Transport companies, passengers and other relevant parties that fail to comply with the provisions of the NTSA Act and the Traffic Act will be firmly dealt with in accordance with the law,” they said. Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet said they had checked and found out some operators had withdrawn from the roads or boycotted and vowed to sustain the operation.
“Some people might think we are joking or will relent after a while. We will stay the course until we restore sanity on the roads,” said Boinnet. Officers Commanding Stations have also been ordered to take charge of the operations at their areas of jurisdiction as part of efforts to ensure compliance and accountability.
Among the rules matatus must comply with is fitting their vehicles with speed governors, safety belts and continuous yellow lines and for drivers and conductors to wear uniforms and PSV badges, and prominently display their photos.