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Matatu crews to now get monthly salaries


Public service vehicle drivers and conductors will soon be paid regular salaries.

This was agreed on between the Matatu Owners Association and International Labour Organisation.

The directive that all matatus and buses be under Saccos has brought sanity to the transport business and boosted tax collection.

Speaking during a PSV training session, the association chairman, Mr Simon Kimutai, said the drivers and conductors would get a standard salary.

Sacco’s will hire and distribute drivers.

“We will first educate them on the employment system and salaries,” said Mr Kimutai.

He said that currently, drivers determine how much they earn and pay conductors without the knowledge of the vehicle owner and Sacco.

Mr Kimutai said once they are on salaries, drivers and conductors will pay income tax, contributions to the National Social Security Fund and National Hospital Insurance Fund.

Mr Kimutai said matatu crews would have a right to join unions.

Speaking at the same forum, International Labour Organisation national coordinator Eunice Mathenge said the aim was to have the transport sector to understand labour laws.

“Once they enter into contracts, this will help to increase productivity and profits,” said Ms Mathenge.

The Nairobi County executive on roads and transport, Mr Mohammed Abdullahi, urged the transporters to help decongest the city.

“Unless the public transport sector helps to us to end the menace in the CBD, we the county government cannot make it alone,” said Mr Abdullahi.