Image - Akinyi
About:
Project: No-nonsense approach
The matatu industry felt like it was in chaos, as a result, public transportation reforms and further law enforcement were introduced in Feb 2004. Since, all PSV crew must wear uniforms, display identification passport-sized pictures on the dashboard, PSV are labeled with a yellow striped line around and route name safety belts were installed and speed governors were put in place to limit speed to 80 km per hour, The matatu Nissan was downgraded from 18 to a maximum 14 passengers vehicle capacity. Matatu must pick and drop off passengers at a designated bus stop. Those were the rules by then. After these measures were enforced, nationwide road accidents dropped down to 74 percent compared to previous records. The then minister of transport in the Kenyan government had a plan to rein in the industry that made headlines.
Concept:
The No-nonsense approach is echoing the work Saucer-sambaza piece which explores the broader sociopolitical realities of Kenya's matatu sector, suggesting a shadow ecosystem, a dynamic of survival and negotiation, complex and informal.
Within the framework of this piece, the artist continues to explore the underlying elements of power dynamics and regulatory loopholes. The weight of badges and uniforms is important in their quest to identify. It reflects the freedom to adapt to the nature of the matatus business to maximize on profit and how to maneuver the system. Together, the labeling of matatu and the duality of the uniform gives a symbol of authority and autonomy. It lies in how the crew interact with the public and law enforcement. It reinstated a status that warrants legitimacy presenting them as lawful executors of public transport while retaining freedom and adaptability in different environments within the sector.
Could it be that when restrictions are put in place strictly to manage informal work, uniforms, badges and licenses become an interesting blend of official power, deception and freedom to maneuver the system smartly?
work in progress....
Matatu: Public service vehicle (PSV) in Kenya
2004 mandatory uniforms: Red/Orange and Blue
Passport size picture: Identity Photo
Mandatory route labelling: 8 Kibera, 32,42 Dandora city, 58 Buru, 44,45 Githurai
Speed limit: 80 Km
Yellow line: All PSVs
Nationwide road accidents: Down to 74 percent.
Image - Akinyi