In a move to restore order and sanity in the transport sector, the County Government of Nakuru in partnership with the Flone Initiative Trust has developed a public transport code of conduct.
Dubbed ‘The Nakuru County Public Transport System Code of Conduct’, it aims not only to improve the experiences of public transport commuters but also improve the County’s capacity to address challenges in the industry.
It should be noted that Flone Initiative Trust is a women-led organization, working towards the creation of safe, sustainable, and accessible public transportation spaces for women and vulnerable groups in Africa, by influencing behavioral change, generating knowledge, and movement-building.
This initiative signifies a commitment to transformative change within the public transport sector, paving way for a future where commuters can travel safely and comfortably.
In an interview on October 8, 2024, County Executive Committee Member for Infrastructure Eng. Michael Kamau said the comprehensive code of conduct will apply to all operators in the public transport sector.
“The aim of this document prepared in collaboration with partners to be specific Flone Initiative Trust, is to bring sanity within our City. We are targeting Matatu, Bodaboda and any other form of transport,” he stated.
According to the CECM, the document has already been subjected to public participation involving stakeholders.
He added that The Nakuru County Public Transport System Code of Conduct is anchored on several Principles.
They include; Sustainable mobility, Environmental Conservation, Climate Change and mitigation, Respect and Non-discrimination to passengers, Professionalism and Excellence, Safety and Sanity, Diversion and Inclusion where vulnerable groups are taken care of with dignity.
The Code has also aspects of Ethical Standards and Obligation which are; Zero tolerance to harassment and sexual, Gender based Violence with all operators required to have a policy.
Equality and Non-discrimination in the sector with focus on PWDs, Professionalism and Excellence in service(trainings of operators how to treat customers), Road Safety(Licensing of vehicles, training and refresher courses and signing of commitment towards Traffic rules and record keeping).
Under the Code of Conduct, the operators will also be required to ensure Environmental Conservation and sustainability which include solid waste disposal, terminus dustbins as well as servicing of vehicles to avert emissions.
The CECM noted that time is now even for operators to start embracing moving to vehicles that are not harmful to the Environment, reduction of carbon and noise.
The development process involved extensive public participation and consultations with various stakeholders, including the Nakuru County government, local police, and the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).
According to Eng. Kamau, the roll-out of the Code of Conduct is expected in the next Financial Year.
He was however quick to note that there shall be continued promotional awareness and understanding of the Code, with sensitization meetings organized with matatu operators, highlighting its significance for both the residents of Nakuru City and the operators themselves.
“We are still engaging the operators on how to ensure compliance in the sector,” he said.
This Code of Conduct reflects the Nakuru County Government’s commitment to enhancing the transport industry and ensuring road safety as
aligned with Governor Susan Kihika’s vision to improve the sector and safeguard the well-being of all road users.