It is either my way or the highway. That is Fred Matiang’i message to Matatu owners on day one of Matatu Crackdown.
The Interior CS has declared that the government will not relent in the latest crackdown to streamline the transport sector in the country.
He has put on notice matatu operators who have resorted to hiking fares to make a killing from the transport crisis occasioned by the PSV strike.
“Some of those vehicles doubling fares on their routes will lose their licenses today. I can assure you that,” said the tough speaking CS.
Commuters have had to deal with hiked fares, in the midst of the Matatu strike with some people paying as much as sh 300 for a one way trip from Rongai to town.
Nairobi’s Eastlands Estates were the most affected as there were no Matatus on the road meaning some people had to walk for long distances to work.
But Dr. Matiang’i dismissed the move by public service vehicle (PSV) operators to withdraw their vehicles from the roads to protest the re-introduction of the ‘Michuki’ transport rules as as sideshows.
The CS dared the matatu operators to remain on strike for as long as they want, adding that those PSVs not in operation risk having their licenses revoked.
“Let us stop these monkey games where everybody thinks they can get their way around. We all must go back to order and we are not relenting on this matter. Those who want to keep away their vehicles at home as long as they please,” said Matiang’i.
“The Transport CS has instructed the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to review licenses of those Saccos that are not operating today… When you are licensed you are supposed to do a business not blackmail people.”
The Interior CS was speaking during a tour of the motor vehicle inspection unit at Likoni Road in Nairobi, where he was accompanied by Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet.
He further dismissed concerns that the crackdown is a knee-jerk reaction and would not stand the test of time.
“We must go back to an orderly way of life. We are not doing this campaign for a month or two. We expected that they would do these kind of games of withdrawing vehicles from the roads and so on,” said Matiang’i.
“These laws have been there. There is nothing we have invented. Everyone must live by the law. This time round we are not playing those games of let’s meet or give us more time.”
Do you think the Matatu crackdown will solve the crisis on our roads?