Police officers and transport stakeholders in Murang’a County have called for stronger collaboration through community policing to address crime, improve road safety and strengthen security management in the public transport sector.
The stakeholders held an engagement at Murang’a Police Station Chapel under the theme, “External Engagement Through Community Policing in Addressing Crime and Enhancing Security Management,” to discuss challenges affecting the transport sector and identify joint solutions.
Speaking during the meeting, Murang’a County Police Commander Kemboi Kimaiyo said the transport sector plays a critical role because of its direct interaction with members of the public.
He called for a proactive approach to security urging transport operators to work closely with the police to identify and prevent crime before it occurs.
“The transport sector is critical because it involves the public, and we must work together to enhance security and protect people’s rights,” He noted.
Kimaiyo observed that public transport could be exploited for criminal activities, including human trafficking and urged operators to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.
He also called for the inclusion of tuk-tuk and boda-boda operators in the community policing programme, saying broader participation would promote accountability and peaceful coexistence among transport stakeholders.
Kimaiyo further urged public and private vehicle drivers to avoid reckless driving and maintain law and order during the festive season, particularly with schools closed and travel expected to increase.
Murang’a Base Commander Kennedy Muthamia said the initiative was a revival of a programme that had existed for a long time but needed renewed commitment to achieve its objectives.
He described the programme as a partnership between police officers and transport operators aimed at addressing challenges and finding practical solutions within the sector.
“This programme is about bringing police officers and transport stakeholders together to identify problems and find solutions,” he said.
Muthamia urged the different matatu circles to work together and resolve their differences, adding that improved coordination was necessary to address disputes and enhance transport management.
He also pointed to gaps in coordination between the police and the county government, calling for closer cooperation among the two institutions and members of the public to address challenges affecting the sector.
Murang’a Shuttle Chairman Martin Kangangi urged matatu owners to build stronger relationships and support one another to improve communication and accountability.
“We need to know one another and work together so that when a problem arises, we can reach the owner directly and help resolve it,” he said.
Kangangi also encouraged matatu owners to invest in speed governors and vehicle-monitoring systems that would enable them to track their vehicles and identify cases of over speeding, even when they were away from their offices.
He said the technology would help owners monitor drivers’ conduct and take action where necessary to promote road safety.
Murang’a East Sub-County Police Commander Teresa Kariuki urged transport stakeholders to engage their drivers on responsible conduct and embrace community policing to prevent disputes.
“We need to talk to our drivers, embrace community policing and put aside the differences between the various matatu circles,” she said.
Kariuki added that cooperation among operators would help prevent conflicts and strengthen security within the transport sector.
National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) representative Francis Kiragu emphasized the importance of collective responsibility, warning that unhealthy competition among operators could undermine cooperation and road safety.
He highlighted the role of intelligent transport management systems in identifying vehicles with safety or compliance concerns, saying the technology could help flag vehicles requiring intervention.
Kiragu urged transport operators and relevant agencies to work together in monitoring vehicle operations and addressing safety concerns.
Meanwhile, County Enforcement Officer Nancy Mburu called on matatu Saccos to comply with existing laws, pay their statutory dues on time and ensure that vehicles picked up and dropped off passengers at designated areas.
“Matatu operators should abide by the law, pay their dues on time and ensure that their vehicles operate from designated areas,” she said.
Mburu also emphasized the need to uphold human rights during enforcement operations, cautioning against the use of excessive force and urging officers to carry out their duties professionally.
by Bernard Munyao/Ann Kendi
