Matatu operators on the spot for flouting rules to carry cargo under COVID-19 hardships

Matatu operators are under fire after the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) cited them for operating unlicensed courier services.

In a notice published Friday, CA Acting Director General Mercy Wanjau expressed concern over the rising number of matatus flouting regulations

“It has come to the attention of the Authority that a number of PSVs, Sacco’s and e-commerce market platforms have taken advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic to offer courier services without being licensed,” she said.

Movement in and out of the counties of Nairobi and Mombasa was limited only to cargo, taking away revenues from both passengers and enterprises.

The usual beehive of activities around matatu stages such as the upcountry bus terminus in Nairobi and Mombasa then came to a standstill.

As operators seek alternatives to make money, coronavirus containment measures including the restriction of movement and social distancing have been tossed aside.

The CA licenses all postal and courier services in the country under the Kenya Information and Communications Act of 1998.

Breaching this law attracts a fine not exceeding Ksh. 300,000 or imprisonment not exceeding one year.