Transport officials have revealed plans to reduce congestion at busy matatu stages in Nairobi by replacing smaller 14-seater vehicles with larger minibuses.
Speaking on Spice FM, Mutheu highlighted that Nairobi currently has about 15,000 matatus operating across 50 routes, with the majority being 14-seaters. Nationally, Kenya has roughly 80,000 Public Service Vehicles (PSVs), most concentrated in urban centers.
The initiative, discussed with stakeholders including the Nairobi Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (NAMATA), proposes that instead of ten 14-seater matatus at a stage, only four 33-seater minibuses would operate. Mutheu supports this change, citing Nairobi’s growing population as a key factor.
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While the plan could streamline city transport, it has raised concerns about job losses, as fewer drivers and conductors will be required. The matatu industry employs over 1 million people nationwide, and authorities say they are considering measures to protect workers during the transition.
Mutheu also emphasized the financial significance of the sector, which generates approximately Ksh5 billion daily. She noted that about 30 percent of this revenue is lost to corruption and stressed the need for stronger regulation, improved infrastructure, and adoption of cashless payment systems across all matatus.
She pointed out that regulatory gaps make enforcement challenging, noting that not all Sacco members comply with rules. A clear policy framework is necessary to ensure smooth implementation of the cashless system.
The official also highlighted untapped potential for advertising within matatus, particularly through in-vehicle TVs, and called for a national dialogue to restructure the industry to meet the country’s transport needs efficiently.
Commuter Impact: Residents may notice fewer, but larger, matatus at major stages, which could mean faster boarding and fewer trips for crowded routes. Commuters should anticipate changes in stage operations, plan for alternate travel times, and stay updated through Sacco notices or Nairobi transport alerts.
Source: Spice FM
