Matatu owners support ban on night travel

By FAITH RONOH

Matatu Owners Association (MOA) Chairman Simon Kimutai has backed the government’s ban on night travel by Public Service Vehicles (PSVs).

The government banned night travel by PSVs on Thursday following the Ntulele accident in Narok County that killed 41 people and injured 33 others.

Mr Kimutai said driving at night and failure by drivers to get enough rest was a contributing factor to the increased number of accidents.

“God created night as a time of rest but I do not understand why one should still work round the clock. Drivers for instance tend to be exhausted after a long day’s work contributing to accidents that could have been avoided,” said Kimutai.

He advised that PSVs should operate from 5am to 10pm to allow drivers enough time for rest.

“It is not a must for us to travel at night. The law clearly stipulates that drivers should rest after eight hours of work and this should be implemented to the letter,” he added.

He termed Thursday’s incident sad and regrettable saying many people lose lives due to careless driving and failure by passengers to take responsibility.

Kimutai said it is the responsibility of every Kenyan, drivers and vehicle owners to ensure such accidents are averted.

“Everyone should take responsibility in evading accidents. Passengers fail to speak out when a driver is speeding only to end up accusing the same driver after an accident,” he said.

While reacting to the accident, President Uhuru Kenyatta said his government will hold owners of PSVs responsible for such fatal road accidents.

He told the owners to ensure the welfare of passengers comes first before their commercial interests.

Kimutai lauded the President’s sentiments saying it is the responsibility of all to ensure that accidents are avoided at all costs.

“As matatu owners we should be responsible because there is no way you can run a business and fail to ensure that your car is in good shape and your driver is also responsible,” he said.

He also cautioned traffic police against taking bribes saying it is their duty to implement traffic laws.

“As owners we might not be there to stop our drivers from overloading or speeding. Therefore it is the responsibility of traffic police to take action on such irresponsible drivers,” said Kimutai.