Matatus seized for flouting new rules

Hundreds of vehicles that had not complied with new traffic rules in Eldoret had their number plates impounded as officers enforced the regulations.

Traffic police and the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) officials, who conducted an impromptu inspection of the vehicles, administered fines on the spot.

Transport was interrupted for many hours during the crackdown.

The officers caught drivers unawares at the Kitale Stage. Matatu crews’ attempts to escape failed as all exits were blocked.

The vehicles were required to bear four stickers of the Saccos they belonged to; one on each side, front and back.

Vehicles that did not have valid Transport Licensing Board certificates were also impounded and a bail of Sh5,000 charged on the spot.

Pay the fine

Owners who could not pay the fine on the spot had their vehicles’ registration plates confiscated and an allowance of three to four hours granted to comply or face arrest.

Eldoret police base commander Humphrey Abayi said about 60 number plates had been seized by 2pm.

Vehicles with multicoloured decorations, too, did not escape.

Their owners had to pay cash to have them released.

Mr Borney Otieno, an NTSA officer, said the authority, whose mandate is to enforce road regulations, would not relent until all the rules were complied with.

“We are conducting the same exercise in the various towns and randomly on roads,” he added.

Owners of vehicles complained that the three-hour duration allowance for compliance was inadequate.