Stop suppressing Matatu sector, transport stakeholders tell government

BY PETER KOMBE Transport stakeholders in the coast region have called on the government to ensure fairness in the industry. According to the stakeholders it (government) is paying particular attention to the standard gauge railway. They further insist that the government has imposed punitive measures to some mediums of transport including matatus and busses. Addressing the media in Mombasa on Thursday, Matatu Owners Association chairperson Salim Mbarak Salim said unlike matatu the SGR carries full capacity while matatus carry only 8 passengers. “The government should be fair. There should not be double standards as it is witnessed now. We all pay taxes like any other Kenyans,” said Mbarak. He claims the matatu sector is currently undergoing a cut throat economy due to the adherence of the COVID-19 Protocols. The MOA chair asked the government to open the entire transport sector by allowing night travels. At the same time, Matatu owners association Vice chair Salim Battes Matatu notes that like any other Kenyans matatus pay tax like any other Kenyans. He cites high cost of vehicle spare parts asking the government to look in the matter. “I ask the president to open up the economy when he will be addressing the nation in a couple of weeks. Haki Africa Rapid Response Officer Mathias Shipeta says the law must apply equally to all Kenyans. Shiepta says the Coast region is entirely dependent on the transport sector and the government should not play a cat and mouse game. “The transport sector in this region is on its knees. Create a level ground where all players will play a fair game,” said Shipeta. Fast Action Business Community FABCOM chairperson Salim Karama said the economy in the region has dwindled due to the impacts of SGR. He lashed out at government saying the SGR does not adhere to the set down protocols. “The government must intervene. We are taxpayers like any other. Said Karama.

Comments

Involve all stakeholders when proposing new laws- BOTTAX General Secretary petitions government

BOTTAX General Secretary Cynthia Wanyonyi Photo (courtesy) BY PETER KOMBE Kenya Boda Boda Tuk Tuk and Taxi Workers Union (BOTTAX Kenya) has faulted the government on claims of passing bills that do not favor the transport sector. Speaking to the media in Mombasa on Monday the union’s General Secretary Cynthia Wanyonyi said in most cases the government does not involve boda boda Tuk Tuk and other informal transport worker's representatives. She further noted that as stakeholders in the public transport sector the government fails to carry out effective public participation exercises as enshrined in the Kenyan constitution. “The government does not involve the public when making certain decisions,” she noted. Wanyonyi urged both the operators to register with the union to avoid being misled by what she claims are quack organisations. She urged the department concerned with registering cooperatives and other associations touching on the informal trans...

Invest more in reproductive health budget- activists petition Mombasa county government

By M warandu Randu Human rights crusaders championing for youth rights have called on the Mombasa county government to pump in more funds in the health kitty in order to boost reproductive health amongst the youth. Addressing journalists in Mombasa on Wednesday during an engagement forum organized by Dream Achievers Youth Organization, DAYO, Sheenan Mbau, an activist from the Centre for the Study of Adolescence, CSA said accessing information regarding reproductive health among the youth is still a challenge. “I’m urging the county government of Mombasa to invest more in the health budget. We know that the county has done so well but some more funds are needed to boost the reproductive health kitty for the youths” Ms Mbau explained She however lauded the strides made by the county government in the development and implementation of the youth strategy launched recently by the county. The activist noted that there is a need for the county government to cons...

Lobbyists accuse government of delaying launch of 2018 School Health Policy

Right DAYO Director Seif Jira flanked by Mombasa Youth Advisory council President Juliet Akumu Photo By Peter Kombe BY PETER KOMBE Human rights crusaders working around the 2018 School Health Policy (SHP) are accusing the government on claims of delaying its launch. The 2018 SHP according to the activists is ready for a mega launch after thorough review by both state and non-state actors. Speaking to the media at Mid View Hotel Nyali on Friday, Benson Chakaya a Right Here Right Now national coordinator says civil society organisations have been spending sleepless nights, jointly with government in order to realize the fruits of the SHP. “The government should launch this policy we have been working up and down to ensure that this policy sees the light of day,” he said. According to him Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu counties lead other counties in teenage pregnancy. The activists says the 2009 school health policy was in comprehensive enough to addre...

PWANI MEDIA NETWORK (K)

Search This Blog