Public vehicles are considered as source of livelihood for many people, especially the matatu owners and operators. However, matatu owners face many challenges in maintaining their vehicles, such as high costs, low quality, and lack of access to maintenance services. These challenges affect not only the profitability and sustainability of their businesses, but also the safety and comfort of their passengers and the environment.
That is why the Matatu Owners Association (MOA) is committed to ensuring that matatu owners have access to quality vehicle maintenance. The MOA is an umbrella body that represents the interests of matatu owners and operators in Kenya. It also offers training programs for matatu crews on customer service, road safety, and other important topics.
The MOA is working to establish a network of vehicle maintenance clinics across Kenya. These clinics will provide matatu owners with access to affordable and reliable maintenance services. They will also provide training for matatu crews on vehicle maintenance.
The MOA believes that by providing matatu owners with access to quality vehicle maintenance, they can help to improve road safety and reduce the environmental impact of matatu travel.
The vehicle maintenance clinics will offer a range of services, such as:
- Routine inspections and servicing
- Repairs and replacements of parts
- Installation and calibration of speed governors
- Emission testing and tuning
- Tyre pressure monitoring and alignment
- Brake testing and adjustment
- Oil and filter changes
- Battery testing and charging
- Electrical system checks and repairs
The vehicle maintenance clinics will also offer training for matatu crews on vehicle maintenance. The training will cover topics such as:
- Basic vehicle mechanics and troubleshooting
- Preventive maintenance and best practices
- Vehicle safety standards and regulations
- Vehicle documentation and record keeping
- Vehicle cleaning and sanitation
- Fuel efficiency and emission reduction
The vehicle maintenance clinics will be operated by qualified and experienced technicians, who will use modern equipment and tools. The clinics will also use genuine and quality spare parts, sourced from reputable suppliers. The clinics will charge reasonable and competitive prices, based on the type and extent of service required.
The MOA hopes that by unlocking vehicle maintenance clinics for matatu owners, they can help to drive excellence in the matatu industry. The MOA hopes that by improving the condition and performance of matatus, they can enhance the safety and comfort of passengers, reduce the risk of accidents and breakdowns, extend the lifespan of vehicles, lower the operating costs, increase the income, and protect the environment.
Therefore, the next time you visit a vehicle maintenance clinic, remember to appreciate the benefits it offers to you as a matatu owner. And if you are a passenger, remember to support the vehicle maintenance clinics by choosing matatus that are well maintained. Together, we can drive excellence and make matatu travel more satisfying for everyone.