This archive report was first published on 15 June 2020.
As Kenya battles the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) is set to implement a cashless payment portal for matatus, which will provide real-time data on passenger routes and fare payments.
According to tender papers, the system will generate detailed daily, monthly, and yearly reports based on passenger manifest parameters, support mobile money and Pesalink transactions, and have reporting functionalities.
The data collected will be accessed by NTSA and other agencies tasked with curbing the spread of COVID-19, enabling individuals diagnosed with the virus to be traced easily, as well as those who came into contact with them during travel.
However, the plan has raised concerns about passenger data security, with tech firms eyeing the lucrative bid needing to ensure their platforms are well-secured to avert incidents where hackers access passenger data.
NTSA wants a platform that generates text-based customer receipts and has a round-the-clock manned support centre to handle customer notifications and queries.
Matatu operators support the e-payment platform, saying it could seal revenue leakages by rogue staff and restore order in the industry.
“We could also formalise employment terms for drivers and our conductors who ‘pay’ themselves daily stipends before handing over the day’s collection to the owner,” said Matatu Owners Association Chairman Simon Kimutai.
“Such a platform will enable us understand the worth of our investment as opposed to the present ‘predicament’ where cartels demand payment of a goodwill before a matatu is allowed to ply a certain route,” he added.
