Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) has faced a wave of discontent from established companies and powerful individuals who they believe are crippling traditional transporters.
In a statement posted on April 16, MAK said venturing blindly in ‘new’ commercial vehicles have seen many continue to lose hard earned money to astute multinationals and local lending institutions.
One major concern explained by the association is competition from well-connected public servants.
These individuals, according to the MAK, leverage their salaries to purchase vehicles and undercut market rates.
“Well-connected public service officers venture into transport business where they charge lower transport in new vehicles,” MAK said in a statement.
“Since their vehicles enjoy immunity and they don’t need much out of the business since they are earning salaries, they edge out original transporters by giving them stiff competitions.”
The motorists further stated that many commercial vehicle owners have lost their incomes and have suddenly found the transport business unprofitable.
In addition, they noted that their unfair advantage is compounded by an exemption from mandatory inspections, raising safety concerns and creating an uneven playing field.
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Similalrly, the motorists have also expressed disappointment with the current approach of the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), the regulatory body responsible for the sector.
“The Transport Authority NTSA does not help matters since they are no longer running Licensing Board TLB where the transporters sector meetings were held,” the statement further reads.
Furthermore, MAK claims these meetings have become infrequent and the policies of the transport body have favored the well-healed investors who compromise fair play.
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“The transport sector has for a long time been the employer of many citizens. The infiltration in the industry by persons in the public service who have protection is giving unfair advantage to them,” the Motorists further stated.
“Their buses are untouchables and trucks overload in saccos protected by cartel associations.”
MAK further pointed to an alleged trend of cartels who sponsors campaigns targeting traditional operators, while newer companies with a focus on luxury vehicles seem to operate with impunity.
This “new vehicle ownership craze,” as the MAK calls it, is seen as a tactic employed by cartels to eliminate competition.
The association is however calling for a comprehensive overhaul of the transport sector’s regulatory framework.
“We need Transport and Licensing Board Back where Transport Sector Meets to address their issues,” noted MAK.
