An old, rusty matatu plying a Nairobi route has caused outrage on social media, with Kenyans blaming the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) for laxity.
In the video seen by Kenyans.co.ke, the dilapidated matatu with the licence plate, KAW 616P, had its rear windscreen replaced with a polythene paper and most parts missing.
Some parts of the improvised rear windscreen were torn and it did not have any backlight or indicators. The vehicle also did not have chevrons, a standard requirement for PSVs and cargo vehicles.
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The jalopy appeared shaky and was much of a scrap metal rather than a passenger vehicle.
One of the social media users stated the vehicle plies route 56, which connects Nairobi's Congo area of Kawangware.
“It has no side mirrors. Who issues such matatus with NTSA stickers?” a comment on a post on Twitter read.
Verification of the matatu registration on the NTSA self-service app indicated that the automobile is not registered as a Passenger Service Vehicle (PSV).
The vehicle was also last inspected on October 4, 2019, meaning that the inspection certificate had since expired. Further, it is not registered under any Sacco.
NTSA is yet to respond to the video.
A few sampled comments on several posts read;
“Kawangware matatus are some of the worst. Some don't even have cushions on the seat. Yet they pass the police who are at the junction of Hateru Road daily,” one Shafiq Taibjee commented.
“Why would a passenger board this ramshackle. Are we Kenyans okay?” Jey Kuriah wondered.
“They pick passengers right in front of officers. You are in more danger of contracting a disease if that matatu knocks you down,” another comment read.
“I guess it was on its way to a dumpsite for disposal. There is no way one can board such trash,” Gitonga Festus jokingly stated.
On April 1, 2022, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) cautioned commuters against boarding dilapidated Public Service Vehicles (PSV), arguing that they are used as avenues of robbery.
“We urge members of the public to be on the lookout for such vehicles, especially those ferrying passengers to routes different from those indicated on the vehicle’s body, "DCI warned, adding that they apprehended three goons who robbed passengers.
The trio posed as genuine matatu operators.
