Transport Union Decries Exploitation of Long-Distance Drivers

By Mbungu Harrison

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

Transport and Allied Workers Union (TAWU)has urged the government to fully enforce the Labour and Employment Act to stop the rampant exploitation of long-distance drivers by employers.

Union Secretary General for Mombasa branch Nicholas Otieno lamented that many long-distance drivers, especially those working for bus companies, are being overworked without off days or overtime allowances.

Speaking in Mombasa, during a joint meeting of various workers unions,Otieno called on the government to take firm action against employers who continue to violate the rights of drivers, many of whom suffer in silence.

The union’s concerns follow a series of complaints from members who say they are subjected to long working hours without leave days, poor pay, and extremely tight schedules.

“Our drivers are working for so many hours without rest and being payed overtime. This is against the labour laws of Kenya that stipulates that an employee is entitled to a one day rest every week,” said Otieno

He warned that the union may be forced to mobilize its members to down their tools if employers fail to address their grievances.

“We appeal to the government to fully implement the two driver per bus regulation, so that no driver works for longer hours transporting passengers from one city to another in the northern corridor transit,” Otieno added.

The union is also calling for strict enforcement of the two-driver rule to ensure drivers get adequate rest and to reduce the number of road accidents linked to driver fatigue.

“If you look at NTSA accidents report this year, many accidents are killing our people. Some of our drivers also fall victim, not because of reckless driving but so many factors among them working without rest,” Otieno added.

He further noted that Kenya needs a standardized framework for the treatment of long-distance drivers to match the practices of other East African countries.

“We are appealing to the government to ensure all private companies that deal with transport follow labour laws to ensure conducive environment for drivers,” he said.

Shop Steward Jackie Okondo expressed optimism that the ongoing dualling of the Mombasa–Nairobi Highway will help ease traffic congestion and reduce accidents.

“We fully support the plan by government to dual Mombasa–Nairobi highway. We fully support it and we want it done fast to ease the traffic burden of our drivers and also reduce accidents,” said Okondo.

She also urged the government to involve all stakeholders, including the transport union, to offer advisory input during the construction process.