Graffiti to be removed from Matatus

The impending enforcement of the so-called Michuki rules has forced Matatu owners back to garages ahead of the November 12, deadline.

Owners whose Matatus have been customized and fitted with fancy entertainment unit following the pronouncements by President Uhuru Kenyatta back in 2014 now feeling the pinch.

A decision to reintroduce the Michuki rules that were put in place by the late Cabinet Minister John Michuki, has now brought misery with police now indicating that President Kenyatta’s remarks were taken out of context.

The Michuki regulations require Matatus to have only one colour and a continuous yellow line painted on the sides, back and front.

But why go to great lengths to decorate the Matatus and install expensive entertainment equipment?

“This vehicle make double what the other vehicles make on a daily basis. A normal Matatu makes about Ksh.7000, I make more than Ksh.15, 000 daily,” said one Matatu operator.

Citizen Digital has now established that this is indeed an expensive affair.

“This vehicle has been customized at a cost of Ksh.7 million and now the owner is forced to take it apart at an additional cost of Ksh.500, 000,” said another operator.

Although many have been associated with rogue behaviour, the customised Matatus are popular with certain customers.

The owners of these vehicles are now asking for lenience during the crackdown as they take compliance measures.

“We are here to make money, breaking the law is in no way convenient for us or our business. However, we are asking the police officers not to take advantage of this situation,” pleaded one Matatu driver.