Police crackdown begins, transport paralyzed in Nairobi

janet ndila

November 4, 2018 3:16 PM

Tough times ahead as operation to restore sanity on roads begin

File image of a traffic police officer arresting a matatu operator

Police launched a crackdown on public transport vehicles in Nairobi, bringing public transport to a halt ahead of the 12 Nov deadline.

The crackdown launched on Sunday and which is expected to continue in the coming days is aimed at bringing sanity in Kenya’s public transport sector.

Drivers, touts and passengers were caught off guard in the crackdown targeting those flouting traffic rules.

The Sunday morning operation hails the return of Michuki rules that brought sanity on Kenyan roads.

The operation is also believed to be aimed at eliminated cartels in the public transport sector with criminal elements and outfits emerging to control routes and extorting money from vehicle operators.

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The few vehicles available on city roads took advantage of the situation hiking fares with several commuters stranded.

Last month, Interior CS Fred Matiang'i and his Transport counterpart James Macharia issued a notice to all Public Service Vehicles (PSV) flouting traffic rules in an attempt to restore sanity.

The notice read in part that "Therefore, 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."

janet ndila