Govt allows matatus to start ferrying passengers at full capacity
Transport Chief Administrative Secretary Chris Obure said the government would allow matatus to begin operating at full passenger capacity from Monday, August 9.
The decision followed a consultative meeting between the Ministry of Transport and the Matatu Owners Association, which will culminate in the signing of the MoU ahead of August 9.
Obure cautioned transport Saccos whose members will not adhere to the agreed self-regulation mechanisms shall have their operating licenses revoked.
“The ministry in the coming three days will sign an MoU with the transport sector stakeholders which will ensure they comply with the protocol. We are in agreement that the associations will introduce regulations that will allow full capacity from Monday, August 9,” he said.
In March 2020, the government directed matatu operators to limit the number of passengers to achieve the recommended one-metre sitting space between travellers.
Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe ordered all public vehicles to implement between 30 % to 60 % sitting capacity until the COVID-19 is fully contained. In line with Kagwe’s directive, those operating 14-seater matatus would carry eight commuters while a 25-seater would transport 15 individuals.
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