MP Drafts Bill to Regulate Matatu Fares in the Country

Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa[Photos/Courtesy.

Tuesday, August 8, 2023 –Outspoken Kimilili Member of Parliament Didmus Barasa now wants to push an amendment through the Parliament; to help streamline transport sector.

In his latest proposal as seen by Homenews.co.ke, the MP wants the National Transport and Safety Authority NTSA Act to have the Transport CS determine fares for Public Service Vehicles PSVs.

Should his proposal be approved, the Transport and Roads CS, currently under Kipchumba Murkomen, will start regulating matatu fares countrywide.

The CS will be responsible for setting both the minimum and the maximum charges on all roads in the country.

The NTSA (Amendment) Bill, 2023 seeks to introduce a new section which provides for the development of policy guidelines to regulate the fares payable by passengers in the public service.

“The NTSA Act is amended by inserting the following new subsection where the Cabinet Secretary may in consultation with the authority make regulations prescribing the maximum and minimum fares payable by passengers in the public service vehicles within the country,” partly reads the Bill.

The UDA Party elected MP, in his proposal, argues that this particular amendment, if fulfilled, will shield Kenyans from rogue matatu operators who take advantage of the current freedom to fleece them their hard-earned money.

“The new section will ensure that the relevant stakeholders are involved in the process of developing such policy guidelines to ensure that there are maximum fares payable by passengers in the public vehicles from one point to another to avoid being subjected to abuse,” the MP said.

Commuters traveling to different parts of the country wait for matatus at Machakos Country Bus Station

He wants the Transport CS mandated with prescribing the mechanisms for reviewing fares in line with fuel prices so that to ensure Kenyans are saved from unscrupulous operators who overcharge them, at will.

Homenews.co.ke has further established that this particular Bill has already gone through pre-publishing scrutiny and is set for official publication and subsequent public participation process.

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