Public transport operators in Kisumu have ignored rerouting orders by City Manager Abala Wanga.
Wanga had two weeks ago gave notice to the motorists to relocate from their current areas of operation in a transport reorganization program.
In the notices issues on June 9, Mr Wanga announced significant changes in matatu routes to address congestion, disorganization, and disorderliness within the city center.
Under the reorganization of public service vehicles, all roadside pick-up, drop-off, and parking for public service vehicles were prohibited effective June 12, 2023.
Take Further Notice that in the event of non-compliance, the County Government of Kisumu shall itself apprehend the violators, impound their vehicles and institute legal action
Abala Wanga
The notices also lined up disbanding of specific Matatu pick-up zones, including Bungoma Line and Transcounty, Biafra Opposite Aga Khan Hospital, and Ahero Mowuok along Nairobi Road.
Additionally, PSVs were prohibited from accessing Kisumu Boys Roundabout.
Instead, operators were advised to secure parking spaces within the Bus Park for official pick-up and drop-off areas.
Status quo
“Take Further Notice that in the event of non-compliance, the County Government of Kisumu shall itself apprehend the violators, impound their vehicles and institute legal action,” stated the notice.
The notice further read: “Regarding the Town Service Vehicles, a pilot self-reorganization has been conducted over the past 14 days. Starting from 12th June 2023, PSVs are required to follow designated routes, namely Route 1 from Patel’s Roundabout to Wells Petrol Station and Route 2 from Patel’s Roundabout to Mamba Uhuru Business Market Complex. The final pick-up and drop-off points in the Central Business District (CBD) will be Taifa Park and Wells Petrol Station, respectively.”
However, a spotcheck by Lake Region Bulletin between June 15, and June 20 revealed that motorists were still using the prohibited roads.
Some of the operators claimed that they were prepared to resist any rerouting attempts, as it would ground their businesses.