On July 7th, a temporary government ban was imposed on all matatu SACCOs and private operators. They were required to avoid using the elevated Nairobi Expressway road. However, Nairobi expressway parent firm, Moja Expressway still allows some matatus to use the highway.
The ban that was imposed followed after 2 matatus crashed that same week; one accident involving an Embassava matatu at the Mlolongo exit toll heading towards Kitengela and the other accident two days later involving a Super Metro Matatu at the Westlands exit.
Moja Expressway Head of Public Relations, Beth Wanjiku clarified in an interview that the ban was indefinite and would depend on the compliance levels that matatus would maintain. Matatu SACCOs are required, by law, to seek clearance certificates from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to prove that their vehicles are roadworthy.
Several matatus have been spotted using the infrastructure even after the government ban. Ms. Wanjiku explained that those matatus are from complying SACCOs and have clearance from relevant bodies such as NTSA and the Ministry of Transport to use the route.
Provided they follow the rules while on the expressway such as no picking or dropping passengers along the route and no littering, matatus issued with the compliance certificates can keep treading on the million dollar road.
“There was a temporary ban for matatus where the SACCOs needed to ensure that their vehicles pass the inspection then they can continue using the Expressway.” Said Ms. Wanjiku.
She further added, “They have to pass the inspection because if there is damage along the expressway, it is the Sacco that is going to pay for it. Every Sacco was tasked with the duty to ensure that all the vehicles are roadworthy and they pass the inspection by the NTSA and once they have the certificate, they are free to use the expressway.”
She said that all matatus using the Sh. 300 Billion route must be branded with their Sacco label and have an issued certificate to gain entry on the route. The ministry of transport is expected to communicate with the expressway management of the cleared SACCO.
If a matatu leaves the SACCO that uses the expressway, it is expected to remove the branding and halt its operations on the highway.
