Millions of Kenyan commuters may no longer face unpredictable matatu fare increases during rainy days or festive seasons if a new parliamentary bill is passed. The National Transport and Safety Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2023, currently under debate in the National Assembly, seeks to give NTSA the power to regulate Public Service Vehicle (PSV) fares nationwide.
Under the proposed legislation, the Cabinet Secretary in charge of transport, working with NTSA, would set maximum and minimum fare limits for PSVs. This would establish a formal framework to prevent operators from arbitrarily raising fares, a common practice during high demand periods such as Christmas or inclement weather.
Structured Fare Regulation
- The bill outlines mechanisms for regular fare reviews, replacing the current system where fare hikes happen abruptly.
- It mandates the display of fare tables inside PSVs to enhance transparency and accountability.
- Regulations will ensure fares are fair and reasonable, balancing operator profits with commuter protection.
Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa, who introduced the bill, criticized the existing unregulated fare system that leaves commuters vulnerable to exploitation. He highlighted that Kenya is among the few countries without a government-regulated public transport fare system, unlike Tanzania, Rwanda, Ghana, France, and Germany.
Barasa also noted that regulation would protect genuine matatu owners from loss, as some conductors reportedly pocket excess fares instead of remitting them.
Next Steps
The bill must clear further parliamentary stages before the President can assent to it. Once enacted, NTSA will gain formal authority to oversee PSV fares, providing commuters with predictable pricing and legal recourse against overcharging.
