The Matatu Owners Association has differed sharply with Public Service CS Margret Kobia on the government’s introduction of 24 NYS buses in Nairobi.
The buses that are currently on a few routes are much cheaper that regular transport – commuters pay Sh20 only. Fifty more are to be introduced.
As the row over the system continued, MOA chairman Simon Kimutai, Kobia, Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet and NTSA Director General Francis Meja faced the Senate Transport committee on Wednesday.
Kimutai argued that the move is unfair to the private sector investment as the government, which is tasked with providing a good environment for doing business, is engaging in unfair competition.
“I don’t know if the National Youth Service did a study to establish demand before bringing the buses into the market, which is already making losses,” he said. “This is disrupting or destroying the business.”
Kimutai added that the public transport sector is suffering loses due to massive extortion by traffic police officers especially at checkpoints on roads.
