Atwoli: NYS buses will help restore sanity in matatu sector

NYS buses in past photo. Cotu has supported the introduction of cheap NYS buses in Nairobi city routes. PHOTO | FILE | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • CAK Director General Francis Wang’ombe argues that the buses are only cushioning a shortage.
  • The NYS 27 buses charge passengers a flat rate fare of Sh20 in Nairobi routes.
  • The introduction of NYS buses in Nairobi routes has been opposed by matatu operators.
  • Mr Atwoli also hit out at matatu owners for opposing Cotu’s agitation to have workers in the sector have their salaries increased.

Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu) has supported the introduction of the National Youth Service buses in Nairobi routes.

The national umbrella body of trade unions says this will create more employment opportunities.

This comes after the Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) also backed the deployment of the buses on the seven routes across the city.

CAK Director General Francis Wang’ombe argues that the buses have not breached any competition laws, but are only cushioning a shortage.

Cotu Secretary-General Francis Atwoli said that the new buses would help restore sanity in the transport sector where passengers have, for long time, suffered in the hands of gangs.

SUFFERED

“Kenyans and workers have suffered for a long time in the hands of gangs in unorganised and uncontrollable matatu transport system. Once you enter into a matatu, you lose your freedom and dignity,” said Mr Atwoli on Thursday.

He said that the new development would boost the image of Nairobi City which, despite being one of the biggest cities in Africa, still lacks a working public transport.

“In the whole world, it would only be in Kenya where towns and cities including Nairobi, that does not have a public transport system,” he said.

The trade unionist has urged the government and welfare associations in the industry to regularise the sector to cushion commuters from exploitation and harassment by unscrupulous operators in the matatu industry.

“Passengers have suffered in matatus, some have lost money as conductors sometimes run away with their change,” he said.

SEXUAL HARRASSMENT

“Sexual harassment has been witnessed inside matatus in the recent past,” he added.

The NYS buses were introduced last week following a public outcry over matatu operators, who arbitrarily increase fares when it rains and during rush hours.

The NYS 27 buses charge passengers a flat rate fare of Sh20 in Nairobi routes including Kibera, Githurai, Mwiki, Mukuru kwa Njenga, Dandora, Kariobangi and Kawangware.

The introduction of the buses has, however, been opposed by matatu operators who see the development as a deliberate act by the government to frustrate their operations.

Matatu Owners Association chair Simon Kimutai and his Matatu Welfare Association counterpart Mr Dickson Mbugua said the move would lead to loss of investments.

CRITICISED

Association of Matatu Operators in Nairobi Central Business District chairman Jimal Ibrahim has criticised the move, saying that the government cannot expect the operators to charge same or lower fares yet it has not created a level playing ground.

“We are not against any competition but we should have a level playing ground in the industry. NYS buses is not a fair competition to us,” Mr Ibrahim said.

Mr Atwoli also hit out at matatu owners for opposing Cotu’s agitation to have workers in the sector have their salaries increased.

“Every time Cotu has demanded for workers’ pay rise, especially those working in the matatu sector, matatu operators have been very uncooperative,” he said.