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Matatu operators in Kisii have faulted National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) over a move to introduce digital speed limiters or governors, saying it will impoverish them.

Led by Monica Nyaboke, the operators said since the time of the late Internal Security minister John Michuki, NTSA has changed the limiters thrice.

She said a limiter costs Sh30,000 and they have to renew them annually at a cost of Sh7,000 and given certificate, noting, it is expensive to the operators amid periodic hiking of fuel prices.

“We urge the government to provide software, modify the system and link it to the NTSA for easy monitoring,” Nyaboke told People Daily in Kisii town yesterday.

During a meeting between the operators and NTSA in Kisii town, the Authority’s officials told them to prepare to embrace new speed governors to be introduced in the market.

Nyaboke said if the government keeps on changing speed governors, it will impoverish the operators and force them out of the business.

The current governors, noted the operator, show the fuel gauge, speed and the stage, stressing they are effective and only required to be modified.

She said the high cost of fuel had forced the operators to increase fares, which forced small scale traders walk for long distances to markets to sell their goods.

“The matatu business is low due to poverty. We urge the government to reduce the price of fuel to ease the suffering of Kenyans” Nyaboke noted.

Meanwhile, she urged the Azimio La Umoja leaders to embrace peaceful protests and implored security officers to ensure people and their properties are protected.

She challenged the matatu operators to be careful and proactive to avoid incidents which might affect their businesses and livelihoods.