Busia Matatu Drivers Decry Harassment and High Fees
Matatu drivers and owners operating in Busia County have voiced strong concerns over what they describe as persistent harassment by county enforcement officers, excessive fees charged by the local government, and the complete absence of an official bus terminus in Busia town.
They insist that despite fulfilling all required tax and fee obligations, they continue to face frequent raids, arbitrary arrests and fines they consider unjust.
According to the operators, the county has failed to allocate a designated stand where vehicles can lawfully park, load and unload passengers. This forces them to work from informal locations, exposing them to repeated enforcement actions by kanjo officers and creating a cycle of disruption that makes daily operations difficult and unpredictable.
The constant pressure has driven up running costs while shrinking daily earnings, ultimately affecting the quality and reliability of transport services available to ordinary passengers. Drivers argue that the current arrangement leaves them caught between the need to earn a living and the risk of punitive measures that seem disconnected from fair regulation.
They are now calling on the Busia County government under Governor Dr Paul Otuoma to review the schedule of fees, provide a proper official terminus within the town and ensure that enforcement officers carry out their duties strictly according to the law and principles of fairness. The operators believe these steps would restore order and allow the industry to function more sustainably.
A constructive response from county leadership could ease tensions, improve working conditions for drivers and deliver better organised public transport for residents who depend on matatus every day.
