News

𝐊𝐢𝐛𝐰𝐞𝐳𝐢, 𝟔𝐭𝐡 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔-The County Government of Makueni is seeking to make public transport safer and more responsive to the needs of every passenger as residents in Kibwezi shared their views on the proposed Makueni Public Transport Policy.

The forum placed strong focus on passenger safety, dignity and inclusion, with proposals including children-friendly toilets at bus parks, CCTV cameras, passenger feedback portal for reporting complains, walking platforms for persons with disabilities and sign-language interpreters where possible. The policy also proposes stronger professionalism in the sector, including requiring each SACCO to have at least five personnel including designated managers, uniforms and badges for easy identification of Saccos, while keeping drunkards out of the public transport sector.

Chief Officer Gender, Children and Social Services Catherine Katuti urged residents to champion the policy and actively participate in shaping it, noting that once approved, the County will implement the agreed measures. The reforms are expected to strengthen accountability, reduce harassment and improve accessibility, safety and service standards across Makueni’s public transport sector.

𝗧𝗮𝘄𝗮, 𝟱𝘁𝗵 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿-Stakeholders gathered in Tawa, Mbooni Sub-County, on Monday to give their views on proposed reforms to Makueni’s public transport system, focusing on road safety, passenger welfare and regulation of public service vehicles.

The forum, organised by the County Government through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Public Works and Energy, and in partnership with Flone initiative, gave residents an opportunity to raise concerns and propose solutions to challenges affecting public transport.

The views will help shape a policy seeking to address key areas including public transport, inclusivity and equity, environmental sustainability, capacity building and professionalism among others. It will also provide clearer guidelines for public service vehicles, addressing issues such as matatus operating outside designated routes, passenger harassment, and road safety. Residents are encouraged to report cases of harassment through the passenger feedback portal and reckless driving, particularly involving school-going children, while facilities such as toilets for young children are being considered to make transport more responsive to different needs.

The public participation exercise will continue throughout the week in Kibwezi, Emali, Malili and other areas, with the County working alongside Flone Initiative to ensure residents’ views shape the policy. A Public Transport Policy Tracker will also help monitor whether the policy is achieving its intended results and improving the transport experience for Makueni residents.