No blanket ban on 14-seater matatus - Uhuru Kenyatta

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday said the government will not implement the blanket ban on 14-seater matatus.

The government will impose the ban in Nairobi and Mombasa, but exceptions will be made for matatus operating on long-distance routes and in rural areas.

"After wide consultation and research involving my government and stakeholders, it has become clear that a blanket ban on 14-seater PSVs,
especially for long-distance and rural transport, may not be appropriate at this time," Mr Kenyatta said.

"Accordingly, this ban will not be implemented to ensure that operators continue to invest in new, roadworthy and, therefore, safer transport for rural and long-distance routes.

"In turn, I expect the industry to support and comply with my government's efforts to reduce congestion through the elimination of low-capacity vehicles in cities like Nairobi and Mombasa," he said.

The President made the remarks during the Matatu Owners Association National Delegates Council meeting.

CASHLESS PAYMENT SYSTEM

The ban has been in place since the beginning of the year.

Matatu Owners Association Chairman Simon Kimutai had earlier asked the President to reconsider the ban, saying it had stunted the industry’s growth and had led to loss of jobs.

The occasion was also used to launch the cashless payment system for public service vehicles.

The cashless system allows passengers to pay their fares using electronic cards.

The President also announced that the government would reclassify double-cabin pick-up trucks as private vehicles. They are now designated as commercial vehicles.

"Regulations must evolve in tandem with social change. The double-cabin pick-up is now less commercial and more of a family utility vehicle.

"Having considered public appeals and consulted appropriately, it is time for government to review the category of this type of vehicle in order to recognise it as private, not a commercial vehicle," Mr Kenyatta said.