MATATU REFORMS

Raila Odinga has expressed optimism that sanity may finally prevail in the Public transport sector once recommendations of the task force formulated to streamline the Industry were put in practice.

He said the country could no longer afford lip services to the ills dogging the public transport system and reiterated that the proposed changes were tailored to streamline the chaotic sector.

Odinga said the government had to intervene following a recent strike by the operators over alleged police harassment to restore harmonious coexistence among the players in the sector.

"This is not the time for rhetoric but an era for implementation of regulations that will instill harmonious and seamless relations between the Matatu operators and the law enforcement agencies "the Premier said.

He told a press conference after receiving resolutions of the task force report that some of the recommendations could take effect immediately as their legislative provision were already factored in existing laws.

Internal Security Permanent Secretary Francis Kimemia who chaired the task force presented the premier with a copy of the executive summary of resolutions some of which had far reaching legislative implications.

The task force whose mandate expires in a week's time derived views and membership from key Ministries, the Matatu Welfare Association, Matatu Owners Association and Matatu Drivers and Conductors Association.

Some of the recommendations the team endorsed were that traffic police Officers stop impounding vehicles found in contravention of minor offences but instead serve drivers with charge sheets subject to appearance in local courts.

Others were that police officers directly or indirectly engaged in Matatu business withdraw their vehicles or resign from service to avert conflict of interest in the sector while those found corrupt be dismissed and charged accordingly.

The team also endorsed resolutions that a data bank be established to register all Matatu operators' drivers and conductors within a month to weed out suspect characters in the industry.

The committee also asked the Commissioner of Police to investigate the existence of a police unit dubbed the "Rhino Squad" after the operators complained of harassment and extortion by the officers from the alleged department.

The report wants the commissioner to sensitize the public on the mandates of various units within the force and retrain the officers on the role of roadblocks amid reports that the barriers were turned into toll station.

The recommendations further requires Council Askaris, drivers, and conductors wear uniforms, identification budges at all times in the course of duty to avert confusion and impersonation to protect the interest of the public.