The National Police Service (NPS) on Friday issued a warning over a rise in pickpocketing incidents in matatus, noting stern action would be taken against the guilty parties.
Through a statement, NPS attributed the incidents to part-time or unauthorised drivers and conductors, adding that road safety would be prioritised and an operation conducted as the busy Easter period approaches.
“We are aware that the Easter holiday is fast approaching, with a resultant increased movement and heavy traffic expected on our roads across the country alongside the imminent closure of schools for the holidays,” NPS stated.
"The NPS, in collaboration with all stakeholders, will take proactive and stringent measures to enhance road safety. We have put in place an extensive operation plan to conduct thorough enforcement checks and ensure road safety compliance on all roads,” the police service asserted.
Further, the authorities called upon stakeholders involved in the public transport industry to join hands and deliver a firm response to eliminate the growing pickpocketing trend.
While hinting at dire consequences, NPS also sent out a warning to school administrators about reckless driving of their vehicles, especially when ferrying students.
“It is the responsibility of each school administration to ensure students are safely delivered home. Drivers of Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) are reminded to be extremely conscious of their duty while ferrying students,” NPS averred.
“Stern action, including cancellation of operating licenses, is an option where PSVs dangerously and recklessly handle students as has happened in the past,” they warned.
Even so, the police force stressed road safety as a shared responsibility, imploring drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, boda boda riders, and passengers to comply with traffic rules and regulations.
“Furthermore, we appeal to owners of PSVs and boda boda associations to collaborate with police officers to improve discipline among drivers and conductors, enhance customer service, and implement safety measures to protect passengers,” NPS highlighted.
The latest seemingly draws from the increased scrutiny on the public transport sector that saw the popular Super Metro’s operating license suspended by the National Transport and Safety Authority.
The suspension came after an incident involving some members of their crew that led to the death of a passenger. The suspension led to Super Metro buses being taken for inspection and their drivers being taken through a sensitisation program.
The suspension was, however, lifted by the Transport Licensing and Appeals Board, which gave them a lifeline, resulting in Super Metro resuming their day-to-day operations.
