Matatu Owners Back Government’s Road Safety Crackdown Ahead of Schools Reopening
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By John Kariuki
The Matatu Owners Association (MOA), led by President Albert Karakacha, has welcomed the Ministry of Roads and Transport’s new road safety measures, rolled out ahead of schools reopening. The measures come after a spate of deadly accidents on major highways in August 2025.
Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir identified three major contributors to road carnage: poor road infrastructure, reckless driver behavior, and poorly maintained vehicles. In response, road agencies and the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) have begun implementing key recommendations, including upgrading hazardous road sections, strengthening compliance checks under KS 372:2019 through vehicle inspections, and enhancing public education and enforcement.
As students prepare to resume classes, motorists have been urged to service their vehicles, obey traffic rules, and exercise caution, particularly near school zones and pedestrian crossings. Motorcyclists have also been reminded to wear helmets and avoid overloading, while pedestrians are encouraged to use designated crossings, avoid phone distractions, and establish eye contact with drivers before crossing.
President Karakacha commended the Ministry for taking decisive action, noting that safe roads are a collective responsibility. He emphasized that while government agencies must enforce standards, public service vehicle operators and passengers must also play their part in curbing road accidents.
He further urged the government to support saccos and transport companies to strengthen self-regulation mechanisms, a move he believes would enhance accountability and compliance within the sector.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to working with all partners to ensure safer roads for every Kenyan.
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