In a bold move towards increased safety and accountability, the Kisumu County Tuk Tuk Association has introduced a digital registration system for its members. The initiative aims to bring about a positive transformation in the largely unregulated sector, plagued by security challenges and infiltrated by undesired elements.
The Chairperson of the Association, Michael Otieno Mboya, led the onboarding of members onto the new system, specifically those operating along the Kisumu – Busia route. Mboya emphasized that leveraging technology is crucial for overcoming existing challenges and ushering in a new era of safety and efficiency in the tuk-tuk sector.
The registration process is meticulous, involving the collection of tuk-tuk operators’ details and the issuance of a digital sticker for easy identification. Mboya highlighted that this move is part of broader reforms intended to enable the sector to self-regulate, a critical step in maintaining order and security.
To receive the digital badges, operators must present their identity cards and driving licenses to the base chairperson. Additionally, they need to affiliate with a specific base and declare the route they intend to ply. Mboya underscored the significance of grassroots leadership in issuing these badges, as it positions them to effectively track and trace operators.
A stern warning was issued by Mboya that starting January 1, 2024, anyone found operating a tuk-tuk in Kisumu City without the digital sticker will face legal consequences. This measure is aimed at curbing the infiltration of criminals and masqueraders into the sector, ensuring that only authorized operators ply the city’s roads.
The local law enforcement, represented by Kisumu Central Officer Commanding Police Division (OCPD) Peter Mulai, commended the initiative. Mulai sees this technological intervention as a powerful tool for identifying and isolating individuals responsible for criminal activities within the tuk-tuk industry. He emphasized that this approach will prevent unfairly condemning the entire sector for the actions of a few.
Furthermore, Mulai sees the digitization of the tuk-tuk sector as aligning with the government’s broader agenda of digitizing various processes to enhance service delivery. This move is not just about regulating the sector; it’s a positive step towards improving the overall perception of the industry.
While matatus and buses providing public transport are regulated by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) through the issuance of Public Service Vehicle (PSV) stickers, the tuk-tuk operators are now taking a significant leap towards a more secure and accountable future with their newly introduced digital badges.