Nairobi — Matatu owners say the proposed mandatory installation of dashboard cameras in all public services vehicles and school buses may not be sufficient to help in curbing road accidents.
Speaking on the Capital In The Morning Show Wednesday, Matatu Owners Association Chairman Albert Karakacha lamented about corrupt law enforcement agencies enriching themselves by demanding bribes rather than ensuring law and order on roads.
“Corruption is the one causing the accidents on our roads. As the Matatu Owners Association we are saying government should sit down with us so that we can try to see how we can help the one who is boarding our matatus not to be affected with whatever is coming up with because if you go to our roads there is a lot of corruption,” he stated.
“Today we are meeting with the anti corruption Authority and see how we can try to eliminate corruption. Everything is about corruption, the accidents we are having is about corruption it is not the doing of the owner of the Matatu.”
He was reacting to Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen’s announcement that the installation of cameras together with vehicle telematics systems will be seamlessly integrated with the National Transport and Safety Authority database.
Karakacha however argued that the proposal is not founded in law and asked the Transport CS to consult Public Transport stakeholders on how to effectively deal with corruption.
“To us it is a burden to the matatu owners and if you go deeper into the law we do not have any law that is going to back up what the minister is going to come up with. As we talk right now we are burden with other things and we ask the government to sit down with us,” stated the chairman.
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This comes a day after the Transport CS spoke during a prayer service for the victims of the Londiani accident that claimed more than 50 lives, Murkomen stated that the cameras together with vehicle telematics systems will be seamlessly integrated with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) database.
He stated that the implementation of dashboard cameras and vehicle telematics in PSVs marks a significant step towards enhancing safety, accountability, and efficiency within the public transportation sector.
“By leveraging advanced technology, this initiative aims to address various challenges and improve overall service quality,” the CS stated.
“Dashboard cameras, also known as vehicle black boxes or event data recorders, will be installed in PSVs to capture real-time video footage of the road and the interior of the vehicles. These cameras will provide crucial visual evidence in the event of accidents, disputes, or any other incidents that may occur during a journey. By documenting these incidents, the dashboard cameras will aid in determining liability and promoting fair and accurate resolution,” he added.
Furthermore, he stated that the integration of vehicle telematics systems with the NTSA database will enable real-time monitoring and analysis of PSV operations.
He added that this approach will enable efficient and accurate enforcement of traffic laws, as well as facilitate targeted interventions to address safety concerns within the PSV sector.
