Residents of Mombasa have expressed their displeasure following the ongoing crackdown on matatus as enforcement of the famous 'Michuki laws' begin.
Non-compliant matatu operators parked their vehicles in petrol stations and along various streets on Monday, November 12, leaving few compliant operators to operate, but with exorbitant bus fares.
Affected commuters decried lack of vehicles, forcing them to trek kilometres towards their work stations from as early as 4am.
"This is very unfair. It is unfair. We wake up early in the morning to go to work only to find no means of transport. It is unfair to Kenyans," said Winnie Furaha at a Nyali bus stop.
Those from Ukunda heading to Likoni were not spared either as the few available matatus charged Sh300 up from Sh70. Commuters from Mariakani to Mombasa town were forced to pay Sh250 from Sh100, from Nyali to CBD matatus charged Sh200 from Sh50, while those from Jomvu and Mikindani were paying Sh150 up from Sh70.
"From Ukunda, we've been forced to walk to Likoni. Imagine the distance. Some of us could get sick. Is this what the Jubilee government advocated for? Something must be done," said Omar during an interview with the press at a bus stop in Likoni.
Addressing the press, Coast Regional Coordinator Bernard Leparmarai, said the crackdown on non-compliant matatus kicked-off in all the six coastal counties and will continue until sanity is witnessed across roads in the region.
"The crackdown kicked-off as early as 6am across the six counties of this region and will continue until non-compliant vehicles comply. We don't want to see accidents and loss of lives on our roads," Leparamai told the press in Mombasa.
Some of the requirements each matatu should have include; seat-belts, uniforms for both conductor and driver, speed governors, insurance, valid licences including PSV licences, and a yellow line on the vehicle.
Leparamai said the matatus should also not be modified.
The matatus were given until Sunday, November 11 to comply with the rules.
During an interview on NTV on Monday morning, police spokesman Charles Owino defended the crackdown saying "the move is for Kenyans' benefit despite the current public transport crisis being faced countrywide."