The Forgotten Workers : The Case of Public Service Vehicle Drivers in Eldoret Town, Kenya
Nafukho Muyia
Road traffic accidents on Kenyan roads have increased at an alarming rate since independence. A number of factors contribute to road traffic accidents, namely, reckless driving, non-road worthy vehicles, and poor conditions of the roads. However, of great interest to the study was the contribution of the Public Sector Vehicle (matatu) drivers towards the occurrence of road accidents. The study aimed to establish the working conditions of a sample of 284 matatu drivers in Eldoret Town (Kenya) and how this affected their driving work. The theoretical framework of the study was based on sociological and psychological theories. The data collection instruments were questionnaires distributed to drivers and vehicle owners. It was found out that though drivers are always blamed for being careless in their driving and causing road accidents, in fact they worked under a lot of pressure from the passengers, traffic police and even vehicle owners. The study forwarded a number of recommendations. There is a need for a change of attitude among all Kenyans towards the drivers and road safety in general. The passengers need to realize that while travelling, cooperation is required and they should not harass the drivers. The vehicle owners and traffic police must realize that the driver, like any other worker, needs to be complimented and not harassed.