The Traffic Act bans motorists from driving public service vehicles in dirty or neglected conditions. However, this law has been circumvented in certain scenarios, with the police and other traffic marshalls criticised for apparent impunity.
On Wednesday, June 14, a section of Kenyans reacted to one dilapidated matatu plying Nairobi routes, raising the alarm on the safety of commuters.
The discussion stemmed from a viral photo of a dirty matatu with worn-out seats, reportedly driven within Umoja, Nairobi.
Kenyans wondered if the vehicle was cleared by National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to operate within the city and the CBD.
“Inspection centres have become money collection points not only in Nairobi but countrywide,” a tweep criticised relevant road authorities.
NTSA responding on the matter requested to be provided with number plates of the vehicle to confirm if it had been certified by the authority.
Another section wanted traffic police officers held accountable for allowing such vehicles to operate freely.
“The role of regulation and protection of citizens have failed us. What is amazing is the number of cops on our roads,” Warue Kariuki commented.
His sentiments were supported by Catherine Gavy, who remarked, “Are cops not inspecting matatus? All vehicles should be stopped when a single taillight isn’t working.”
Kenyans complained that there was a rising number of unroadworthy Public Service Vehicles (PSV) plying within Nairobi routes.
“There have been times that I have had to go home for a change of clothes due to these dirty matatus,” one frequent PSV user noted.
Reports allege that most unroadworthy vehicles are usually kicked out of CBD to operate within estates and areas like Gikomba Market.
In a past interview with Spice FM, Esther Kimilu, an officer at the Traffic Court in Milimani, Nairobi, warned motorists against driving dirty cars.
“Driving a dirty vehicle is a traffic offence. Even having a matatu with torn seats is an offence,” she explained.
She advised motorists against letting dirt obscure key details of their vehicles, like number plates and insurance covers.
“If the vehicle is obscured, in case of an incident, the police cannot track you. Your motor vehicle should also not be in a state that causes discomfort to other people,” Kimilu cautioned.
Penalties
Penalties under the Traffic Act range from imprisonment for 12 months onwards, or a minimum fine of Ksh100,000, depending on the offence.
