Matatu Owners Association (MOA) in partnership with an automobile firm, GB Auto, has embarked on an intensive road safety campaign aimed at reducing carnage across the country.

MOA President Albert Karakacha said the campaign aims to increase awareness among players in the public transport sector and the public about the importance of following traffic rules, maintaining vehicles and respecting the lives of other road users.

He spoke at the sidelines of the unveiling of GB Auto Kenya’s new showroom in Mombasa, located at Kabarani, off Makupa Causeway.

“The road safety campaign is crucial in achieving our shared goal of improving safety for everyone involved in road transport. Our partnership with GB Auto Kenya is key in restoring sanity on our roads and protecting the lives of all road users as well as imparting requisite knowledge to all players in this sector,” Karakacha said.

He divulged that the campaign has provided a platform for matatu owners to bring their vehicles for a free check-up, done in collaboration with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).

“The vehicle clinics have been an opportunity for the owners to find out what changes they would need to make to their vehicles to ensure that they meet the NTSA regulations. These forums have also seen collaboration with traffic police departments in all regions and other industry players who partner to provide awareness to the matatu fraternity and the community at large,” he said.

Collaboration with saccos

GB Auto Kenya Mombasa branch manager Edwin Kombo revealed that the collaboration extends the firm’s commitment to enhancing transportation solutions; with demo units issued to 2NK SACCO in the Central region, Kangaroo SACCO in Nyanza, and Sabaki SACCO travellers in the Coast region.

“This milestone not only highlights GB Auto Kenya’s unwavering commitment to excellence but also marks a significant leap forward in the automotive landscape of Kenya,” Kombo said.

He at the same time revealed that the new showroom offers an inviting environment where customers can immerse themselves in the latest models of commercial vehicles the company has to offer and a state-of-the-art service bay with modern equipment to ensure minimum down time for biashara customers.

Top-of-the-range

GB Auto Kenya are importers and distributors of top-of-the-range mobility machines—Eicher trucks, and King Long 14-seater matatus.

 “This showroom represents a significant step forward for GB Auto Kenya,” said Edwin Kombo- Mombasa Branch Manager. “It reinforces our dedication to delivering top-notch service and quality products, while also underscoring our commitment to continual innovation and growth within the automotive industry,” the manager said.

He added, “Our customers can experience the full spectrum of our prestigious brands under one roof. Our highly trained personnel are always available to provide expert advice and after-sales support, ensuring every client receives exceptional care for their vehicle.”

GB Auto introduced a one-of-a-kind 14-searter omnibus known as King-long in the country in November last year with GB Auto East Africa Managing Director, Gaurav Kaul highlighting that research has shown that the Kenyan market is rife for the model which has a 14- passenger capacity.

“This strategic investment reaffirms GB Auto’s commitment to contributing to the growth and development of the Kenyan automobile market. The company looks forward to playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of mobility in Kenya, and building lasting partnerships with local stakeholders,” he said.

The MD asserted that the introduction of the vehicles into the Kenyan market will help boost the country’s economy as well as create jobs for Kenyans amid the current unemployment crisis in the country.