The Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja says the national police service is set to conduct fresh crackdown on matatus as it moves to weed out cartels exploiting the transport industry
Kanja says the crackdown will be largely informed by intelligence reports from the national intelligence service
The police will conduct patrols and operations, in collaboration with the NIS officials to weed out criminal activity affecting the matatu industry mostly in Nairobi.
Kanja says the operation stems from a meeting with a delegation from the Federation of Public Transport Sector representing the rights and interests of public service vehicle stakeholders in Kenya that highlighted security threats faced by matatu owners, passengers and crew.
“In line with this commitment, the Service will intensify intelligence-led patrols and targeted operations to identify and eliminate criminal elements exploiting the matatu industry as a cover for unlawful activities,” the police boss noted.
“This necessitates comprehensive measures to ensure the reliability, safety, and security of all users,” stated the IG.
The federation chair Edwins Mukabanah expressed readiness to cooperate in finding solutions and partnering with the police to streamline the once lucrative transport sector.