Transport and Infrastructure Committee meets pick-up truck operators over industry challenges

Transport and Infrastructure Committee meets pick-up truck operators over industry challenges

County Hall
Thursday June 19, 2025 

The Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure in the National Assembly chaired by Hon. GK George Kariuki this morning held an engagement with representatives from pick-up truck transport operators to address challenges facing the sector. 

The session provided a platform for dialogue between Members of Parliament and the operators under the banner of Chapa Works, a Nairobi-based transport network.

During the meeting, Members raised concern over reports of police harassment faced by the operators while conducting their transport business. 

The Committee further noted that police interference in the sector had created fear, with some operators allegedly being arrested or taken to court for failing to pay bribes. This prompted suggestions from the lawmakers that representatives from the Kenya Police Service should have been invited to participate in the meeting for a more balanced engagement.

Hon. Eng. John Kiragu attributed part of the problem to the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), stating that the agency had granted law enforcement powers to the police in ways that were often abused. 

His sentiments were backed by Hon. Samuel Araba who called for clarity on the roles of enforcement agencies in protecting small-scale transport operators.

On his part, Hon. TJ Kajwang urged the team from Chapa Works to expand their advocacy beyond the 300 operators based in Nairobi. 

“You are not just representing Nairobi; you are speaking for pick-up truck operators across the country,” he said. He further encouraged them to conduct deeper research and present factual, countrywide data to support their case.

Those who appeared before the committee included Mr. Stephen Mburu, Ms. Mary Ndung’u, Mr. John Wanjeru, Mr. Daniel Kamau, and Mr. James Macharia—all active members of the Chapa Works transport group. 

They recounted personal experiences of being taken to court unjustly, stating that harassment often stemmed from their refusal to give bribes to rogue officers.

In response, the Committee requested the office of the Clerk to assist the group in drafting their concerns formally as a petition. Chairperson Hon. GK George Kariuki assured the transporters that the Committee was committed to helping them pursue justice and push for fair treatment within the transport sector.

Today’s meeting reflected the Committee’s resolve to support informal sector players and ensure their voices are heard in policymaking processes. 

The lawmakers reiterated their willingness to hold further engagements with all stakeholders, including government agencies, to promote a safer and more just working environment for all transport operators in Kenya.