Matatu safety rules introduced in 2012 to end reckless driving, overloading, speeding and unlicensed driving seem to have collapsed in Kisumu as some matatu owners blame authorities for the fail.
The Saccos blamed the traffic police, the National Transport and Safety Authority and the judiciary for the emerging rot in the industry.
Two Saccos in Kisumu under which the matatus operate said their efforts towards observing the tough rules of the Traffic Amendment Act of 2012 are being thwarted by the other players.
The Sacco officials who also blamed; the traffic police for the deterioration of the traffic rules in Kisumu by accepting bribes, National Transport and Safety Authority for failing to avail quality speed governors to curb overspeeding, now hits on the judiciary for not issuing a proper punishment for the violators hence risking the passenges’ lives.
Shem Ochuodho, the chairman of K2BU Sacco which plies the Kisumu-Bondo route said they did their part in punishing rogue operators.
“Other players who are very much aware the rules were being violated either abuse their roles or are reluctant in playing them.” He said.
Joseph Ngige, chairman of North Rift Shuttles whose matatus ply various Kisumu-North Rift routes said National Transport and Safety Authority had delayed in availing tamper-proof speed govenors.
Regional traffic enforcement officer Joshua Omukata reversed the blame to the Sacco official whom he said “failed to regulate operations as employers.”
He however said he was unauthorised to comment further on the matter.
A quick survey revealed that operators plying several long routes from the lakeside town openly display disregard for the provisions which prescribe heavy fines and penalties for dangerous and careless driving, overloading by Public Service Vehicles, unauthorised or “squad” driving, obstructive parking overspeeding and failure to wear uniform by Public Service Vehicles crew.
Despite tough talk by the government and occasional crack-downs to tame insanity of some road users, operators on the Kisumu-Bondo, Kakmega, Homabay and Nandi routes were violating the traffic rules while openly bribing traffic police.
The Kisumu-Bondo road was notorious for overspeeding, overloading both passengers and goods among others
Interview with frequent travellers and mechanics who service the vehicles revealed that they either lack speed governors or have been tampered with.
A tout said the operators are always after additional cash to replenish what is lost to the police and to make up for the low pay. The vehicles easily clock over 100 kmph on the road that has started spotting potholes.
The 14-seaters ferry up to 19 passengers plus the tout. At some points, the number rises to 21 as daring passengers hang at the door.