Shortage of speed governors to keep many matatus off the roads

Even as the government embarks on a crackdown on traffic violation, some matatus will be forced to remain off the roads longer following a shortage of speed governors in the market.

Mechanics at various garages on Monday morning told Citizen Digital that speed governors are out of stock following a high demand from public service vehicle operators who are on a last minute rush to comply with the re-introduced ‘Michuki rules.’

According to the mechanics, the last batch of the speed regulators was brought into the country on Friday last week, and the next one is expected on Wednesday, November 14.

“There are currently no speed governors in the market. The ones that were there were sold out by Friday… The retailers have told us to wait until Wednesday this week, which is when they are hoping to restock,” said Stephen Gachahi, a mechanic in Nairobi.

The government has announced that beginning Monday, November 12 public service vehicles will not be allowed on the roads without speed governors, safety belts, a bold yellow line among other requirements.

At the same time, all PSV drivers and conductors are required to wear uniforms and PSV badges as prescribed by law as well as prominently display their photos as prescribed by law.

Failure to fit the prescribed speed governors will attract a fine of Ksh.10,000, while vehicles without seat belts will be penalised Ksh.10,000 for every seat that doesn’t have a seat belt or if the the seat belts are not of the proper standard.

“Effective Monday, 12th November 2018, any PSV vehicle, drivers, SACCOs/Transport companies, passengers and other relevant parties that fail to comply with the provisions of the NTSA Act and the Traffic Act will be firmly dealt with in accordance with the law,” said the government in a statement.

Travellers across the country were Monday morning left stranded as matatu operators kept off the roads to protest the re-introduction of  ‘Michuki’ traffic rules. They claim they will only return to work after their grievances have been addressed.