In response to the recent spike in traffic accidents across the nation that have resulted in multiple fatalities and numerous severe injuries, Kipchumba Murkomen, the cabinet secretary for transportation, has ordered an immediate reevaluation of drivers operating heavy commercial vehicles and public service vehicles (PSVs).
In a statement to newsrooms on Tuesday, the CS stressed that stakeholders are expected to immediately and without fail comply with the directive. It pointed out that the driver reevaluation exercise, originally scheduled for June 2023 but moved to October last year and then suspended, was long overdue.
"The re-testing of all PSV and heavy commercial drivers, that had been postponed after an outcry from the sector, will now be implemented without further delay. All stakeholders are expected to comply and cooperate," said Murkomen.
Moreover, Murkomen declared that the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) would immediately begin implementing traffic safety laws in coordination with the National Police Service. This announcement reverses a 2018 directive by former President Uhuru Kenyatta that had released the NTSA from this duty.
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"Having consulted with my Interior and National Coordination colleague, Prof Kithure Kindiki, we are going to establish a mechanism where the previous directive to remove NTSA from enforcement will be vacated and a collaborative regime between NTSA and NPS will be put in place for a more efficient enforcement," said Murkomen.
"You will be seeing a return of the NTSA working with traffic police to enforce traffic safety on our roads as soon as possible."
The CS also directed NTSA to set up protocols for conducting medical examinations on all drivers to determine whether each driver is medically qualified to drive legally.
"NTSA to put in place measures for the implementation of medical testing of all drivers as required by Section 1o5A(1) and (2) and Rule 30(4) of the Traffic (Driving Schools, Driving Instructors and Driving License) Rules 202 before the issuance of any new driving licences and renewal thereof to ensure that only drivers who are medically fit are licensed to drive," he said.
In addition, he directed the NTSA and law enforcement to step up nationwide traffic enforcement and confiscate unroadworthy cars that aren't connected to the intelligent road safety management system so that speed limiter data can be transmitted.
"As we approach the Easter festivities and closing of schools, we shall be working closely with the NPS and monitoring the enforcement of traffic laws and regulations. I urge all road users to be cautious about their safety and the safety of others to prevent the needless loss of lives," he said.
