Is the matatu industry disorderly or misjudged?

The chaotic events happening in the transport sector leaves us wondering if the matatu industry is disorderly or misjudged by the public. Recently, police officers in Ruiru, Kiambu county arrested a matatu driver following the death of a passenger who was allegedly thrown off the moving vehicle. This accident began with an altercation over fare which is something common in the matatu industry. The passenger was allegedly thrown out because of the fare deficit and ran over by the bus which resulted to him losing his life on the spot.

The most disturbing issue in this sector is the growing lack of concern by many passengers. The rest of the passengers did not step in during the altercation. The lack of apathy shows how people are normalizing such scenarios, and they no longer care. We need to ask ourselves if we are learning from previous tragedies.

The story has caused an uproar of how the matatu crew treats the passengers. There is a level of recklessness in the sector from the touts to drivers and what makes it worse is the normalization of this behavior. Nowadays touts change the fare amount the moment they leave the stage and this last-minute hikes bring altercations in the matatus making passengers be at their mercy. The fact someone entered the matatu safely, they should alight safely even when they have not paid the full amount.

The matatu industry has allegedly become a menace. Matatus are allegedly dropping and picking up passengers at random locations that are not  bus stages. Some even carry excess passenger and people sit on “sambaza” or stand. All this happens in broad day light and people have accepted since there is no any other option. Also, passengers participate in this menace by standing on the doors while open in moving matatus.

Pedestrians also play a role by ignoring designated bus stops and footbridges. Some pedestrians choose to cross a busy road to save on time yet there is a footbridge that is secure. This indiscipline by pedestrians also perpetuates the chaos.

It is really evident that there is a level of laxity in the transport industry. The matatu saccos should regulate the conduct and ensure compliance. The owners carry the biggest baggage since they cannot be on the road to enforce the rule of law. The matatu industry will benefit a lot by doing public opinion poll with reputable market research companies like Research 8020 Limited . They can get to understand the different issues citizens go through so as to improve on this sector.

In conclusion, the matatu sector has some chaotic elements but it still remains an important part of Kenya’s transport system serving millions daily. The industry has a lot to work on despite the recent scenarios of recklessness. With proper regulation, there will be a significant reduction on the recklessness otherwise the culture will persist.