Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa has proposed a bill seeking to regulate fares paid by Kenyans in Public Service Vehicles (PSVs).
National Transport Safety Authority Amendment Bill, 2023 which has undergone first reading aims to amend the National Transport and Safety Authority Act No. 33 of 2012 by introducing a section providing for development of policy guidelines to regulate fares payable by passengers using PSVs.
“The Cabinet Secretary may in consultations with the NTSA make regulations prescribing the maximum and minimum fares payable by the passengers in the public service vehicles within the country and the mechanisms of reviewing fares in the public service motor vehicles," reads the Bill in part.
Further, the Bill seeks to ensure the involvement of relevant stakeholders like the NTSA and the Matatu Owners’ Association to ensure that maximum fares payable are capped.
The legislation also seeks to grant power to the Transport Cabinet Secretary to develop measures ensuring that fares charged to commuters are reasonable and fair.
Barasa observes that this will protect Kenyans against arbitrary fare hikes which leaves commuters at the mercy of Saccos.
If the National Assembly approves the Bill, PSVs will be mandated to retain copies of trip schedules and fare timetables.
This means that Saccos will be required to maintain fares at consistent rates even in exceptional circumstances like when it rains, which typically leads to an increase in demand for public transport simultaneously leading to a rush.
PSVs will also be tasked to ensure the safety of passengers using their vehicles.
Recent fuel price hikes have led PSV operators across the country to increase fares. The new bill therefore, looks to cushion Kenyans from such market forces.
Approval of the proposed Bill will deal a blow to matatu owners as their liberty to change fares will be thwarted.
If the bill is approved, it will be a heavy relief for Kenyans as they continue to grapple with tough economic times.
