Thika Tuktuk operators go digital to self-regulate and empower members.
Under their umbrella body, “Thika Tuktuk Supreme Organisation”
which brings together over 30 tuktuk associations from Thika East and West
sub-counties, the operators have managed to bring together about 1,200 tuktuk
drivers and owners for a common course.
Speaking on Friday during the official launch of their database,
Chairman Raphael Karanja said that the idea was borne after a myriad of
challenges due to lack of coordination and necessary data needed whenever any
of the operators or their customers were encountered with problems.
“Since 2004 when tuktuks started operating in this town,
there has been no systems to monitor or regulate their operations. This has
created disorder and anarchy within the industry which can be, in a certain
degree, attributed to the rising cases of insecurity,” explained Karanja.
Karanja noted that with proper and accurate data, the
industry would thrive and attract more customers.
He added that the confusion that has been there had made
Thika a ‘Tuktuk dumpsite’ where anyone easily acquired a work ticket from the
county government without any precaution as long as they paid the requisite
fees.
(Related story: Thika Plans to Create Database for bodaboda, Tuktuk Tracking.)
“With this body in place, we can account for every tuktuk operator within Thika Constituency. Any other new entrant into the market will have to join a Sacco within his area of operation and get keyed into our database. These logistics will assist us so much in maintaining discipline within the sector as well as in the fight against crime and insecurity,” he said.
“With this body in place, we can account for every tuktuk operator within Thika Constituency. Any other new entrant into the market will have to join a Sacco within his area of operation and get keyed into our database. These logistics will assist us so much in maintaining discipline within the sector as well as in the fight against crime and insecurity,” he said.
The chairman said that plans were underway to register a
fully-fledged Tuktuk Sacco that will help them regulate their operations,
investment and insurance cover programmes.
Enoch Kimani, the brains behind this idea thanked area MP
Eng. Patrick Wainaina for donating a laptop for their operations.
He requested the MP to assist them to get an office where
all their operations would be centred.
“We are also extending this idea to our brothers in the
bodaboda business so that we can join hands and regulate the transport industry
for the benefit of all. This will end us solve our frequent conflicts with them
and eventually create more opportunities,” said Kimani.
Thika West DCC Douglas Mutai was elated with this new
development saying that it would assist in busting crime in the area.
He challenged them to incorporate the bodaboda sector and
come up with ways to streamline the sector.
Area MP challenged them to reorganise their structures so as
to benefit more on the available business opportunities both in government and within
the private sector.
He promised to open an office for them so as to ease their
operations.
“I am challenging you to think outside the box. Think beyond
driving or operating a tuktuk by diversifying your sources of income. My office
will help you to register both as an organisation and as a Sacco,” said Wainaina.
He also promised to organise workshops for all registered
organisations and offer free driving courses for their members.
“Above all, I have decided that all tenders and contracts
from my CDF office will be given to groups within Thika Town Constituency. So,
go put your houses in order and come apply for tenders to build schools and
other facilities within the security sector,” he told them.
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