Nairobi — Taxi drivers in Kenya have come together to form an association that brings together members drawn from the 47 counties in Kenya to address their welfare.
The association known as Mobile Taxi Association of Kenya (MTAK) will comprise taxi and Tuk tuk drivers as well as motorcycle Boda boda riders.
The new association's interim chairman Mr. Samuel Ogutu who is also the chairman of the Mombasa Boda boda Association said the drivers and riders have come together to give themselves a collective voice for positive change in their industry through effective engagement with the government.
According to Ogutu, the association has already set up county committees and identified representatives from eight counties namely Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret, Kwale, Kilifi, Uasin Gishu, and Kiambu.
Ogutu further disclosed that they expect to inaugurate all county committees within the coming 30 days followed by a national conference at a date to be announced later.
"For far too long, taxi drivers in Kenya have not had a strong voice to provide input about regulations and policies that affect their livelihood. This association will give them the strong voice they need and deserve," said Ogutu.
During a forum in a Mombasa Hotel on Monday, the MTAK leadership also lauded the government for the gazettement of the Transport Regulations that govern the taxi industry.
They called on the government through National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to ensure that the implementation of the regulations was done in consultation and participation of the industry stakeholders.
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Mr. David Mwangi, secretary to the novel association observed that while everyone has a right to conduct business in the Country, the drivers wish to have a fair, level playing field across the various taxi mobile applications for them to compete fairly.
"We just want to provide good services to our customers and earn a fair income," said Mwangi.
The MTAK leadership recognizes that taxi driver issues do not end at mobile applications and therefore has engaged various partners to discuss initiatives that will benefit taxi drivers.
"We want to put money into the pockets of our members who are taxi drivers", said Mr. Benjamin Juma who is the Treasurer as well as a representative of Tuk tuk drivers.
Taxi drivers interested in joining the Mobile Taxi Association (MTAK) are advised to check for more details on the association's website www.mobiletaxi.org. - Kna
