Photo: Bruce Hamilton Mt Kenya Matatu Owners Association has condemned plans by the government to phase out the 14-seater matatu. The association chairman Joseph Mungai said the move will lead to chaos as many youths will be rendered jobless.
Speaking after a meeting with Mathira MP Ephraim Maina over the weekend, the Mungai said more than 500,000 youths rely on the matatu sector. He added thatinsecurity will increase if the matatus are removed. "The plan will bring insecurity in the country as the youth have to survive. This is totally unacceptable. The idea cannot fit here in Kenya," he said.
The Mathira MP said it is ill-advised to remove the source of livelihood for majority of the youth in the country. The MP said there is a plot to sneak in probox model vehicles and remove matatus. "One minister cannot wake up one day and say the matatus should not be on the road. It is like saying that by the end of this month, everybody should stop breathing. We shall oppose this by all means both inside and outside parliament," he said.
He therefore appealed to President Kibaki to rescind on the matter. The MP said the issue should be left to County Government to deal with it. The meeting was held by association chairmen from the Mt Kenya region. Others present was Nyeri Mayor Edward Muteru and Karatina mayor Christopher Kamau.
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Am one of the young person who is highly affected by the deal,last year i started a small spare-part shop in which my customers were 14 seater but right now am looking forward to close the business,On addition to that most mechanic will be diploid....