Kenya’s public transport sector could be on the brink of transformative reform following a high-stakes consultative meeting between the Departmental Committee on Transport and the Federation of Public Transport Sector (FPTS). The forum, held in Nairobi, brought together key stakeholders to address deep-rooted challenges crippling the public service vehicle (PSV) industry.
In a candid exchange, sector leaders voiced growing frustration over what they described as policy and regulatory gaps, lack of infrastructure, excessive taxation without adequate reinvestment, and inefficiencies within oversight bodies such as the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and Nairobi Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (NaMATA).
“We are calling for the development of a National Road and Transport Master Plan that can act as a unified roadmap for infrastructure investment and transport management across all modes,” said Edwin Mukabana, who led the FPTS delegation. He emphasized that a coherent, long-term strategy would help reduce operational costs, enhance connectivity, and promote economic growth.
Among the federation’s key concerns were the absence of a dedicated Road Transport Institute for driver training, dysfunctional vehicle insurance systems, and poor urban and rural transport infrastructure.
The committee members acknowledged the urgency of the issues raised. Committee Chair George Kariuki underscored the need for a comprehensive master plan encompassing road, rail, air, and sea transport. “With honest dialogue and coordinated action, we can transform Kenya’s public transport system for the better,” he said.
However, the lawmakers did not shy away from holding the PSV sector accountable. They pointed to widespread indiscipline, non-compliance with legal requirements, corruption, and the influence of cartels that discourage fair competition and new investments. The persistent use of unroadworthy vehicles and traffic safety violations were also highlighted as major public safety concerns.
Despite the tensions, the meeting ended on a hopeful note, with both parties agreeing that inclusive reforms and wider stakeholder engagement — including the Ministry of Transport and regulatory bodies — would be key to sustainable solutions.
“This meeting has opened our eyes to the complexity of the issues, but also to the opportunities for reform,” said Kariuki.
The Federation of Public Transport Sector is a national lobby group registered under the Societies Act. It represents a coalition of PSV investors, including the Matatu Welfare Association, Matatu Owners Association, Mt. Kenya Matatu Owners Association, Association of Bus Operators Kenya, and others.
The talks are expected to pave the way for further consultations aimed at developing a practical and unified strategy to overhaul Kenya’s critical yet troubled public transport system.
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