Public Service Vehicle (PSV) drivers and conductors in Nairobi will soon start earning regular salaries that will be subjected to income tax, National Social Security Fund (NSSF) and National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) deductions.
The Matatu Owners Association and International Labour Organization came to a conclusion on the matter after deliberation at a Public Service Vehicle training session on Wednesday.
Simon Kimutai, the association's chairman highlighted that the drivers will no longer be in control of their earnings neither will they have the liberty to determine the conductors' pay.
“Saccos will hire and distribute drivers, but we will first educate them on the employment system and salaries,” said Mr Kimutai.
Kimutai stated that the matatu crews will now have the right to join Unions as they will be receiving standard income thus improve their livelihoods.
The chairman further acknowledged that the earlier directive requiring all PSVs to join Saccos had with time boosted tax collection and disciplined participants in the sector.
The session also delved into discussing the congestion problem in Nairobi with the County's Transport Executive , Mr Mohammed Abdullahi, seeking for help from the Saccos.
“Unless the public transport sector helps to us to end the menace in the CBD, we the county government cannot make it alone,” said Mr Abdullahi.
