Traffic Police Commandant Samuel Kimaru has directed all Public Service Vehicles with blaring horns and raised chassis to be removed from the roads.
Speaking at a stakeholder’s meeting in Tononoka, Mombasa, he indicated that most PSVs, especially buses, have a raised chassis, which increases the risk of causing accidents.
He further noted that those operating such vehicles are known for their notorious behavior of breaking traffic rules with no regard for the safety of road users.
He also ordered regional traffic bosses to ensure that drivers and owners of such vehicles are arrested immediately.
“Owners of the matatus and buses will be arrested and charged. We cannot allow people to risk passengers’ lives,” he stated.
Mr Kimaru also mentioned that over 1200 people have been killed in road accidents since January.
“Stop overlapping, driving under the influence of alcohol and miraa and overspeeding. Those are the main causes of accidents,” he advised PSV operators.
Matatu Owners Association vice-chairman Ali Batez supported this directive noting that it will help reduce accidents and instill discipline on roads.
Coast Traffic boss Emmanuel Okanda welcomed this move citing that he will be the first to take up the initiative.
The move will hit hardest in Nairobi, which is prominent for pimped buses.
