The Kibera-Lindi Sacco has assured Kibera residents of improved transport services as it embarks on the repair and rebranding of matatus under its management.
The Sacco was started in November last year thanks to a slum upgrading programme launched by the government in Kibera which led to the construction of Makina-Highrise road.
The public service vehicles registered with the Sacco ply the Makina-Undugu route with majority of the passengers being locals who only need to part with Sh20 to reach their destinations.
At the inception, like-minded Kibera entrepreneurs mainly youth, brought in second-hand ‘Nissan’ matatus with majority of them seeming un-roadworthy. However, one year down the line, the Sacco officials can boast of what they term as “massive improvement”.
“At the beginning, people complained about the condition of vehicles we launched under this Sacco. Of course we cannot deny that the few vehicles we started with were not very good but now, we have made commendable improvement in terms of quality. We want to assure residents that we shall reach far in a matter of time,” said Ali Hassan Mohammed, the sacco’s chairman in an exclusive interview at their offices in Makina on Saturday.
Hassan has praised the efforts made by his team in ensuring that the sacco remains vibrant,
“We came together as members and agreed to make daily contributions of Sh 400 per head. This contribution has enabled us to repair most of our vehicles. So far we have 20 matatus, 12 of them have been rebranded and the public also appreciates their good condition,” he added.
The chairman said the sacco has made an impact in Kibera especially by creating employment to the youth.
“It is good to say that all the vehicle owners are Kibera residents with majority of them being youth who formed groups and bought their vehicles when National Youth Service opened up this road (Makina-Highrise Rd). Many youth now have jobs as drivers, conductors, mechanics, turn-boys, and to those who are able to save money and buy their own vehicles,” he added.