This archive report was first published on 4 August 2020.
Corona Exposes Chaos in Kenya's Matatu Sector, Calls for Nationwide Solution ¶
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread across the country, it has exposed the chaos in Kenya's matatu sector, which has been plagued by overloading, reckless driving, and corruption.
The sector, which is responsible for transporting millions of Kenyans daily, has been criticized for its lack of regulation and enforcement of traffic laws.
According to the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), the matatu sector has been responsible for a significant number of accidents and fatalities on the country's roads.
Despite the efforts of the government to regulate the sector, the matatu industry has continued to operate with impunity, with many operators flouting traffic laws and regulations.
However, with the COVID-19 pandemic, the government has been forced to take drastic measures to control the spread of the virus, including reducing the number of passengers allowed on matatus.
As of August 4, 2020, the government had announced that matatus would be allowed to carry only 60% of their usual capacity, in an effort to reduce the spread of the virus.
However, the matatu sector has been slow to adapt to the new regulations, with many operators continuing to flout the rules and put the lives of their passengers at risk.
According to a report by Taifa Leo, a local newspaper, the matatu sector has been criticized for its lack of regulation and enforcement of traffic laws, with many operators continuing to operate with impunity.
"The matatu sector has been a major contributor to the country's road accidents and fatalities," said a spokesperson for the KeNHA.
"We urge the government to take drastic measures to regulate the sector and ensure that operators comply with traffic laws and regulations."
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread across the country, the government has been forced to take drastic measures to control the spread of the virus, including reducing the number of passengers allowed on matatus.
However, the matatu sector has been slow to adapt to the new regulations, with many operators continuing to flout the rules and put the lives of their passengers at risk.
