Is it a case of the hunter being hunted with the latest suggestion by the Ministries of Transport and Interior, to install Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in Passenger Service Vehicles (PSVs) to curb bribery of traffic police officers?

In September 2018, thereabout, the National Police Service (NPS) launched a facial recognition system for CCTV cameras installed along major roads and highways as part of an upgrade of its Integrated Command and Control System (ICCS).

CCTV purpose

Broadly, the technology was to help in the fast and accurate identification of suspects, and also the same could also – reportedly – be used by the police in situations where a suspect cannot be identified by fingerprints.

This, however, did not indicate whether police caught in the cameras soliciting bribes from matatu operators, was criminal.

Fast forward, to this morning, Cabinet Secretaries; Kipchumba Murkomen (Transport) and his Interior counterpart, Kithure Kindiki have prevailed upon the public transport sector to install the CCTVs in their vehicles and also digitalise the payment systems. All these are meant to curtail the incessant demands by the police and County security teams for bribes from matatu operators.

“It’s important that as part of our road safety programmes, and ensuring that there’s good governance in the transport sector, that CCTV cameras be installed in all vehicles so that we can tame corruption involving police officers and the matatu crew,” he suggested during the relaunch ceremony of the Federation of Drivers and Conductors (FEDCO) event at Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).

The CS was discussing how technology and innovation can play a pivotal role in modernizing the public transportation sector. He was represented by Nairobi Area Metropolitan Transport Authority (NaMATA) acting Director General, Eng. Francis Gitau.

Murkomen also informed the transport sector players on government initiatives aimed at leveraging technology for safer and more efficient transportation systems.

On his part, while revisiting the constant challenges the transport industry in the country face, Kindiki urged the Federation to embrace innovation by keeping in touch with emerging technologies.

“I urge the Federation to embrace digital solutions, such as smart ticketing systems, GPS tracking, and vehicle maintenance applications,” the CS said in remarks presented by Ken Kiathe, an officer at the Ministry.

Kindiki emphasised that these digital solutions such as the installation of CCTV cameras in PSVs will enhance the efficiency and reliability of the Federation’s services.

“Introduction of enhanced security innovations such as CCTVs will go a long way in enhancing the safety of the crew and passengers,” he explained.

PSV drivers and conductors have enthusiastically welcomed the suggestion to install CCTV cameras in their vehicles. The move is seen as a crucial step to combat corruption that has long plagued the industry, involving both police and county askaris.

During the relaunch of the Federation, FEDCO chairman, Calvin Nyaure also said it’s a new journey for the sector.

“We welcome the suggestion by our Cabinet Secretaries; Transport and Interior to also have a cashless payment system to minimise chances of bribery in the sector,” he said.

He said it’s important that stakeholders in the sector have a new paradigm shift where the drivers and conductors start to enjoy the benefits from their daily engagement in the industry.

“It is a big day for the sector stakeholders for the relaunch of the federation which comprises boda boda, matatu, long-distance truckers, digital cabs, and everybody involved in the transport sector.

“So we want to partner with the government so that we can be able to address the challenges we encounter on a daily basis,” he said.

There are about 1.52 million drivers, conductors and marketing officers known as kamageras.

Fedco has existed since 2014, but by the relaunch, the Federation is targeting to give itself a new face walking hand in hand with the government, so that they can try to change the lives of its members out there.

“The Federation has been there but now we want a new face to it, different from the past,” he said, noting that FEDCO members have never had insurance, any formal platform of savings; or proper leadership that recognises their role.

“But this time round we want to change all that so that we can participate in the development of our country. We want this sector to be recognised as an important economic sector,” he said.

He said the Federation also wants a new payment system that will eradicate corruption in the industry where police officers and County askari demand bribes from the drivers and conductors.

“So we want to go cashless, where it will be possible to track who is bribed,” he added.

Offs for PSV drivers

“The drivers also don’t even have offs, they don’t enjoy time with their families. Our members need to be respected as professionals and have allowances and overtime pay. We want to partner with the government to establish a PSV Institute where our drivers and conductors would be trained on a number of aspects in the sector.”

Elijah Nyaga, the chairman of, the Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association, observed that the re-launch is a great milestone for drivers and conductors.

He outlined some of the challenges they encounter on a daily basis as road safety, poor wages, and salaries. “With the re-launch, we are taking the direction it requires,” he said.