How to streamline matatu sector in Nairobi

Wilfred Bosire, the current Secretary General of Mass Mobility Operators, has been in the matatu sector for 14 years in the capital city. He shared with Pkemoi Ng'enoh his views about the chaotic industry that refuses to reform. 

There have been failed attempts to try to streamline the public transport sector in the city, where chaos reigns. Why is the status quo?

For the longest time, the sector has run without rules. For instance, you could buy a matatu and operate it the way you wish. But over time, things have changed. The only challenge is that we have not been able to achieve the sanity that people really want.

What is your honest opinion regarding this sad state of affairs?

Most of the policies formulated are boardroom ideas. The real stakeholders are usually not consulted. At times, it is very difficult because some of those formulating the regulations do not understand the dynamics in the industry.

But over time, we have had a very serious transformation. Because if you look back seven years ago and now, there is a huge transformation in the sector. So, I think there is a gradual transformation, and Kenyans should be very patient. 

What makes Mass Mobility Operators different from, say, Matatu Welfare Associations?

Initially, the associations that we have been having did not have close links with the real players in the sector.

We have had associations led by a few individuals who are not interested in the industry as players.

So, what are you doing that will erase the wrongs?

We are engaging the National Transport and Safety Authority and Nairobi Metropolitan Area Transport Authority on the basics that need to be done. 

Once we are able to agree on the nitty-gritty that we have proposed, then we can engage the Ministry of Transport before moving to Parliament, because we need to have legislation besides amending transport Acts, some of which are outdated. We need to have laws that transform the sector and support the industry.

There have been several attempts to push matatus out of the city centre. Do you think the move will be a solution to the disorder being witnessed?

In Kenya right now, we've seen that the only business or enterprise that can work is an enterprise that is owned by private citizens.

The government and government institutions normally collapse because of corruption and failure to engage the right people.

I've seen an attempt to bring in the NYS buses to do public transport. It did for two months, or less than two months, and then they were grounded, all of them. With the current relocation, matatus will not be sustainable.

So, do you think the government should not interfere with the independence of the matatu sector?

It should help with just guidelines, and constantly engage us on how we can make it efficient. We need the government to try and get into it, but in a proper and involving way.

Of late, there have been attempts to do away with matatus having graffiti. What is your opinion on this move?

It is not going to succeed. Because it is not in good faith. How many accidents in the city have been caused by commuter vehicles? We need to address issues from a point of information. 

This matatu culture is really making Kenya a unique country and has created a lot of job opportunities for the youths; thus, the government should not be working so hard to create unemployment. Sadly, we are pushing our young people out of work.

But the graffiti culture is being blamed for the impunity we daily witness on the roads, matatu crews?

That is a blatant lie, matatu culture has nothing to do with impunity on the roads. There is nothing wrong; let anyone come out and document any negative or bad case that can be likened to matatu graffiti, for instance.

What is your view on the proposed cashless payment method?

First of all, why do we need to go cashless when we work on targets? The cashless system is going to take away the money from the conductor and the drivers because they are not on contract, but are struggling to meet a target at the end of the day. And in any case, conductors nowadays collect money through their mobile phones. 

The reasoning behind cashless is to tame corruption. Why would you oppose such a noble idea?

Corruption is part of the reason why cashless payments can't work. We shouldn't shy away from pinpointing the reason why we give bribes. Corruption is rampant, and those encouraging the vice are in government.  

But why are matatu operators willing to play ball?

A small traffic offence, it can take a whole six months before it's concluded. So, if it takes six months, and you are going to attend four or five court proceedings, you go for the shortcut. Instead of wasting time, it is cheaper to bribe a police officer to set you free.