Police launch programme to educate matatu operators

Police together with matatu SACCOS on Tuesday embarked on a sensitisation programme to educate matatu operators on the dangers associated with over speeding, driving while drunk and carelessness on the roads.

While addressing matatu drivers and touts operating in the Banana – Nairobi route, the head of traffic police at Parklands and Karuri stations said the drivers will be subjected to scrutiny and the condition of their matatus will be thoroughly checked.

The police boss further added that this would also include checking their uniform and ensuring that their driving licenses were valid in a bid to encourage service delivery.

This, he added, would be implemented immediately, especially due to the El-Nino rains and festive season in a bid to curb road accidents that become rampant at this time.

Most of the operators, however, took issue with NTSA officers whom they claim have been harassing them despite having all the relevant documents to carry on with their operations.

This comes only two days after a fatal accident that claimed the lives of 10 people with several others admitted with serious injuries when a 14-seater matatu plunged into a river near Mataara shopping centre in Gatundu north.

The dead were among 17 people who were travelling to Murang’a from Nyahururu where they had attended a dowry payment ceremony.

Seven passengers died on the spot while three others died on the way to hospital.