Probox blamed for Nairobi traffic jams

The Matatu Welfare Association (MWA) has blamed traffic jams on the government for allowing influx of tuk tuks and vehicles like Probox.

MWA chairman Dickson Mbugua on Sunday said the government had allowed excessive importation of tuk tuks, motorcycles and Probox vehicles, which have caused unbearable traffic congestion in the city.

“They carry fewer passengers and that is where the government should begin while tackling congestion,” he said.

The government in an effort to reduce traffic congestion had laid out a plan to phase-off 14-seater matatus in favour 25-seater matatus.

Mr Mbugua says the cost of acquiring a 25-seater matatu is about Sh4.2 million as compared to Sh1.5 million for purchasing a 14-seater matatu.

“Buying a 14-seater matatu is about Sh1.5 million, which most Kenyans cannot afford and elevating the cost to about Sh4.2 million is telling Kenyans to stop investing in the industry,” he said.

Mr Mbugua also noted that close to 500,000 people working in the matatu sector will be rendered jobless if the 14-seater matatus will be phased out.

He said such a move will increase insecurity due to unemployment and increased poverty level.

Mr Mbugua urged the government to allow the matatu sector regulate the industry to avoid unnecessary layoffs.

He noted that the Transport Licensing Board (TLB) had registered 600 saccos and companies in May last year of which 500 were found to have been constituted in accordance with the law.

“Pushing out these saccos and companies will not only affect the lives of 100,000 people employed directly in the industry but also vehicle spare dealers, mechanics and artisans will have their livelihoods affected," Mr Mbugua said.

Disband ERC

Mr Mbugua said the recent price reduction on fuel by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) was unfavourable as the matatu sector expected a reduction of between Sh7 and Sh8 on diesel.

“Petrol was reduced by Sh7 while diesel was by Sh3.50, which we think was a joke by ERC," Mr Mbugua said.

He said the ERC board should be disbanded and a new one constituted to manage effective fuel price regulation in the country.

Mr Mbugua said lamping of two insurance premium into one month would greatly affect their business and the government should rescind the decision.

“We totally object to the move since it is unaffordable to us. We were not consulted as per article 47 of the Constitution on the Bill of rights,” he said.

He said the installation of a gadget like a black box in their vehicles is an unnecessary cost as owners will have to part with between Sh40,000 to Sh100,000 instead of enhancing the legislation on speed governors.