This archive report was first published on 2 August 2019.
Kenya's matatu industry is pushing for a specialized training institution to equip drivers and conductors with the necessary skills to improve road safety.
According to Simon Kimutai, Chairman of the Matatu Owners Association (MOA), the proposed training school would focus on providing drivers and conductors with specific skills, such as emergency response and customer care, which are currently lacking in most driving schools.
Speaking during the MOA national governing council meeting in Nairobi, Kimutai emphasized that the training would address the 'ills' in the sector, including the production of 'half-baked drivers' who are not equipped to handle public service vehicles (PSVs).
"The training will focus on most of the ills that are in the sector. Most of the driving schools produce half-baked drivers. If you have a four-year license you should not automatically receive a PSV license but you need to be trained to handle a PSV," Kimutai said.
Kimutai also called on the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to restore order in the sector by only approving new licenses for matatu saccos on a need basis, citing over-investment in the sector, particularly in Nairobi.
Published on August 2, 2019.
