Drivers and conductors of matatus at the Kencom bus station after operators went on strike protesting over the new traffic rules Nov 29 2012. [PHOTO/the-star.co.ke]

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Matatu drivers in the proposed Nairobi Metropolitan Transport Area will now be forced take special training and examination should a Bill before Parliament be passed.

According to the Nairobi Metropolitan Area Transport Authority Bill, drivers in the five counties that make the Nairobi metropolitan zone will now have to be awarded a certificate of professional competence in addition to the normal national PSV driver’s licences.

The Bill was introduced to Parliament yesterday sponsored by the state through National Assembly Majority leader Aden Duale.

If passed, the law will apply to drivers in Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado, Machakos and Murang’a counties.

Competence certificates shall be valid for five years and will only be issued to persons of good health by a Nairobi Metropolitan Area Transport Authority.

“The Authority shall specify, monitor and facilitate driver and operator competency training to be carried out by others for the public service vehicles within the metropolitan area,” it says.

Transport operators in the specified areas must be of a good reputation and financial standing and meet the requirements of professional competence.