Matatu Don Simon Kimutai Exits After 2 Decades

Long-serving Matatu Owners Association (MOA) Chairman Simon Kimutai has left the position after 20 years. Kimutai handed over to the new chairman, Edward Karakacha, even as MOA members and official showered the outgoing leader with praises for his role in the development of Kenya’s matatu sector and championing matatu owners’ welfare.

A meeting of the organization’s National Governing Council (NGC) on Thursday, June 15 at a Thika Road hotel unanimously agreed to have Karakacha take over from Kimutai. Three members of the association who had previously voiced interest in the position stepped down allowing Karakacha to take up the role.

Kimutai was credited with growing the organization’s influence, and ensuring involvement of the association by the government in planning and decision making. Kimutai stated that he had agitated against corruption in the sector, which has long been plagued by cases of bribery and extortion.

“I fought corruption single-handedly until one day I was told to tell your people not to give my people money, that’s neither here nor there…in public transport corruption is the most visible practice,” he stated.

Kimutai offered an endorsement of Karakacha and urged the association’s members to work closely with him, voicing confidence in his ability to lead the organization. Notably, the members also resolved to have Kimutai take up the new position of Patron of the association.

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Kimutai stated that he would only offer advice to the leadership when needed, stating that he was no longer needed much. He advised the new leadership to maintain positive relations with the State.

“For the company to have this good environment to do business, we need to have a good relationship with the government, we cannot be against it all the time. We need to have very constructive criticism when there is, and engagement,” he stated.

Karakacha, who previously served as the association’s national coordinator, pledged to work closely with members and officials to develop the sector further.

Highlighting Kimutai’s contribution, MOA Chief Executive Patricia Mutheu stated that he had become synonymous with the matatu sector.

“Simon Kimutai has become a household name representing the matatu sector…We will miss your oratory skills and passion for lobbying for a conducive business environment for investors in the sector,” he stated.

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