The Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) unveiled a new measure that they would use to punish rogue PSVs once the matatu ban takes effect.
Every Sacco will nominate a representative to sit in the operations room to take ownership when their members are at fault.
The operations room contains screens and cameras where matatus are monitored as they leave, park and enter the Green Park terminus and other bus stations.
The new directive would ensure that not only individual touts or matatu operators are punished by NMS and the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) but the Sacco as a whole carries the burden.
NMS Engineer Michael Ochieng' on March 18 said that they would further ban touting at all terminus as PSVs would adopt digital technology unveiled by the agency. commuters will use the newly unveiled app to track PSVs. The system will control the movement of matatus, displaying their number plate and destination on a screen.
At Green Park Terminus near Old Railways Club, one part will be a drop off with another section a pick-up area for commuters. The matatus will be monitored via CCTV cameras and will line up per Sacco and per route.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Brendan Marshall, a traffic educator and coordinator of matatus at several termini in the city lauded the digital project but warned that it may face severe backlash which may further cripple the transport sector.
"There are lots of things we need to consider and try and sort first. They have no right to dictate private transport. They will maintain law and order but the Sacco people have to be on the ground and coordinate their vehicles, not in the operation rooms.
"Even the police centres being built at the terminus will not be that effective. There are many Saccos and police will find it difficult to handle some issues. People report matatu issues to the Sacco more than they do to the police. For example, speed driving or fare hiking, are issues impertinent to the police.
"They only deal with criminal cases such as deaths, assault, robberies and someone being pushed out of matatus," Brendan argued, saying that police will be overwhelmed by reports.
He added that Saccos are always familiar with these issues that appear irrelevant as they are keen on maintaining their credibility. NMS, he said should engage with operators to find a way to assimilate them into the plan.
