Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced on April 19th that all Public Service Vehicle (PSV) and commercial drivers will be subjected to compulsory driving retests before their licenses can be renewed, effective June 1, 2023. This directive also mandates that these drivers take physical fitness examinations, encompassing eye and hearing assessments by certified medical practitioners, starting July 1, 2023.
Murkomen’s groundbreaking decision further stipulates that driver trainees must submit a medical certificate before undertaking the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) driver test, in accordance with Section 105 A (1) of the Traffic Act.
The full statement by Murkomen delves into the recent tragic loss of innocent lives, including school children, due to devastating road accidents across the nation. Expressing heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and relatives of the deceased, Murkomen reassures the public that the Ministry is working closely with other government agencies and stakeholders to implement stringent measures for enhancing road safety and preserving lives.
Addressing the pressing issue of school transportation safety, Murkomen outlines several directives, such as prohibiting school transportation between 10:00 pm and 5:00 am and ensuring that all school children have allocated seats with functional seatbelts. Additionally, unroadworthy school vans, buses, and matatus must be immediately removed from the roads.
Kenya is known for its matatus – minibuses that often transport more people than they have seats. [Joost Bastmeijer/Al Jazeera]
Murkomen’s visionary plan also includes the formation of a multi-agency clinic to verify and validate all speed limiters between April 25th and May 31st, 2023. The clinic will incorporate public transport operators, speed limiter vendors, and the National Police Service.
To manage blackspots, Murkomen directs the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), Kenya Urban Road Authority (KURA), and NTSA to expedite the completion of ongoing road safety audits and implement safety interventions, such as installing signage, reflectors, and street lighting within 30 days.
NTSA officials accompanied by police inspect a matatu in Nairobi in December 2019 K24 DIGITAL
In compliance with KS 372:2019 on passenger vehicle body construction, Murkomen orders immediate enforcement of anti-rolling bars, seatbelt installation, and proper seat anchorage on all public service vehicles. Moreover, NTSA is tasked with validating and taking necessary action against non-compliant vehicles.
In a bid to support post-crash management, long-distance PSVs are directed to subscribe to an accident and emergency system, display subscription details publicly, and present non-compliant vehicles to the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) within seven days for insurance policy assessment.
Murkomen’s long-term vision involves NTSA finalizing system integrations with the insurance sector for real-time data sharing, aiding compliance and enforcement. He also directs all motor vehicle owners with expired inspection certificates to present their vehicles for roadworthiness assessment at the nearest NTSA center within 30 days.
Reiterating the Ministry’s dedication to implementing regulations, policies, and laws, Murkomen emphasizes the importance of collaboration between the Ministry of Interior and National Coordination and other related ministries and state agencies. He also calls upon leaders from various sectors to support these initiatives and encourages the public to take personal responsibility for their safety on the roads.
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