PHOTO/FILE Motorist jam the Mombasa road section moving into the city centre. Matatu Welfare Association chairman said the government should not blame traffic congestion in the city solely on the 14-seater matatus.
By PETER NG’ETICH pngetich@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted Sunday, January 29 2012 at 20:50
Posted Sunday, January 29 2012 at 20:50
More than 500,000 people will be laid off if 14-seater matatus are phased out, says an association of the vehicle owners.
Matatu Welfare Association (MWA) chairman Dickson Mbugua said the government’s decision to stop registration of the vehicles in January last year has started impacting negatively on the industry.
Addressing journalists in Nairobi at the weekend, Mr Mbugua said the government should instead leave market forces to drive out the 14-seater matatus. Insecurity will rise after thousands lose their jobs, he added.
Mr Mbugua said a 37-seater matatu currently costs about Sh4.2 million, which is out of reach for many Kenyans who wish to venture into the business.
“A 14-seater costs about Sh1.5 million, which many Kenyans cannot afford, and asking Kenyans to fork out about Sh4.2 million is like telling them to stop thinking about investing in the industry,” he said.
Mr Mbugua, who was accompanied by vice-chairman John Katimbwa, said the best the government could have done was to manage the 14-seater matatus through various savings and credit cooperative societies (Saccos).
He said the Transport Licensing Board registered about 600 saccos and companies in May last year of which about 500 were found to have been constituted properly.
“It means these Saccos and companies have about 100,000 employed people alone and pushing them out means that others like spare parts dealers, mechanics and artisans who depend on them will also be affected,” said Mr Mbugua said.
He said the government should not blame traffic congestion in the city solely on the 14-seater matatus because other vehicles, including tuk tuks and motorcycles, also contribute to the jams. (READ: Probox blamed for Nairobi traffic jams)
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