Kenya safety law profits traders

There has been a high demand for seat belts

Kenyan businessmen have reported massive profits from the sale of car safety equipment as a crackdown on public transport minibuses intensified.

Businessman Zulfikar Kimji has told the BBC that their profits have doubled since the government started enforcing the safety regulations on "matatus".

Mr Kimji denied that they have inflated prices to take advantage of the demand.

The government wants all public minibuses to be fitted with safety belts and speed limiters.

Transport crisis

"It's harvest time and we thank God, because there was really a drought for us, but the laws are very good, I am happy to see everybody with seat belts," Mr Kimji said.

He said they have been forced to import more safety gadgets to cope with the high demand from matatu owners seeking to comply with the new government regulations.

Installing a speed limiter costs about $300 while the seat belts range between $12 and $20 each.

Matatu owners had complained of a shortage of safety gadgets and feared that the transport crisis might persist.

Kenyan media reports say hundreds of drivers have been arrested across the country for failing to comply with the new traffic regulations.

Transport and Communication Minister John Michuki has said the new laws are aimed at curbing road accidents on Kenyan roads.