Matatu owners in Nakuru County have protested the move by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to introduce short-term licenses for private hire services of their vehicles.
The matatu stakeholders in the region said that the requirements are excessive and only meant to drive them out of business.
Speaking to journalists in Nakuru, Chairperson of Central Rift PSV sacco Stephen Muli said they will not allow the organisation to impose such rules on them.
"These requirements by NTSA in a circular dated November 10, were set even without consulting us in the business. They are similar to those issued before one is given the TLB licenses," said Muli.
The new rules require all public service vehicles to acquire a short term license for whatever journeys made on private hire, which includes providing hearse services, parties, corporate functions and weddings.
The license will cost the Matatu owner Sh500, with the owners providing among other things, a list of passengers, a letter bearing the Sacco seal written by the Sacco chairperson to NTSA, a letter by the applicant to the Sacco chair, speed governor certificate, inspection report, valid insurance sticker and a copy of the Logbook.
"It will be very difficult to book for a short term license and wait for it to be processed, considering that most jobs are not planned for in advance. I appeal to the government to reconsider this decision as it will really inconvenience us," said Muli.