Formalising the Matatu Industry in Kenya

Abstract

Public transport in Kenya has attracted many policy debates which remain unresolved. One debate which continues to engage policy makers, practitioners and the general public is how to handle the matatus, a form of public transport which has remained resilient to almost all policy responses. The industry plays a crucial role in mobility and economics of the country although it is often in the limelight for inability to comply with public transport regulations and attracting personnel who are careless and resistant to rules and regulations. This notwithstanding, the sector requires supportive policies to enable organizing and integration into the public transport system, as discussed in this policy brief.