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President Kenyatta pays 30 bob as bus fare through cashless payment system which he launched on Wed at KICC. |
On 5th Nov 2014, President Uhuru Kenyatta lifted
the ban of 14-seater PSV while launching the cashless payment systems at Kenyatta
International Convention Centre (KICC)The order was issued during Kibaki regime in 2010 by
Amos Kimunya then the Transport Minister in order to reduce traiffic congestion cities and towns. It is
evident that President Kenyatta realized the need to continue having 14-seater
Nissans on roads.
The Good Side
There are many opportunities that must be utilized by the
Kenyan youths. For instance; there will be need for more drivers and conductors.
In addition, manufacturers’ market will increase, insurance companies will have
more clients and government itself will gain revenue through. Consequently, middle
business people who are unable to invest in buses due to financial constrains have
a new alternative in Nissan business.
Many young people accommodated will earn living and improve their
living standards which will translate to growth of the Kenyan economy. Customers
or passengers will be drove at their convenient places since there will be more
than enough vans.
Crime activities are expected to reduce since many idlers
will be busy and productive. There will be a less no room for people to engage
in drug related cases
The Bad Side
Reversed ban on 14-seater PSV means that there will be many
Nissan road which usually cause traffic jams in cities and towns. Many
accidents and deaths have been experienced in the Kenyan history via Nissan.
Corruption in the transport sector has been the story of the
day.Cases of bribery in roads is expected to rise which will drag the Kenyan economy.
My Take
Government should seriously do civic education to the Kenyan
youths if there is need to save this generation. This is because each and every
project their championing has the aspect towards job creation. It is a fact
that there are many jobless youths in Kenya. In the transport sector there are
messes which must be eradicated. For example, there is corruption amongst traffic
police and Matatu owners. We have observed through the media that most of the
time traffic rules are not complied.
We should be thinking of sustainability in any good deal we
make especially in this transport sector. What does it mean to have 14-seater
PSV on road to a common citizen in our counties? Which are the measures in
place to ensure that no more accidents on our roads? What methods will be in place to ease congestion in our
cities and towns? Did the President’s move so contrary to the stand of traffic
rules? Such critical questions must be thought of and appropriate answers offered.
It is the time we should be proud of the resources we have. Ensure we have
right politics, good policies and independent bodies given a chance to execute
their duties.