Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has extended the suspension of the retesting of public service vehicles and commercial vehicle drivers for a period of three months.
In a statement on Friday, October 6, the CS stated that the move would allow the ministry more time to reach an agreement with different stakeholders concerning retesting drivers.
Moreover, this is the second time the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) is suspending the exercise after failing to reach a consensus with the stakeholders in the sector.
“This is to notify members of the public hereby that the suspension of retesting of drivers who are holders of driving licenses with class endorsement(s); B3, D1, D2, D3, C, C1, CE, and CD has been extended for a period of 3 months effective from the date of this notice,” the statement read in part.
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Murkomen Initial Announcement of the Compulsory of Retest for Drivers
Earlier in April 2023, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) had directed that all PSV and commercial vehicle drivers undergo a compulsory retest as a way of curbing accidents by ensuring compliance.
However, members of the Matatu Owners Association protested the move adding that it was unnecessary and expensive for the drivers to be retested after every three years.
“The re-test is for commercial and public service vehicle drivers and is a pre-requisite for renewal of driving licenses with class endorsement(s); 83, D1, D2, D3, C, Cl. CE and CD. 2,” the authority noted at the time.
“The re-test shall be conducted every three years upon the expiry of driving licenses with class endorsement (s): B3, DI, D2, D3, C, Cl. CE and CD”.
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The re-tests were to be conducted in all NTSA Driver Test Units at a fee of Ksh1,050 payable online through the e-citizen account.
NTSA Data on the Re- test of Drivers
According to data from the Ministry of Transport, out of 1,847 drivers across the country who underwent a retest between June 9 and June 30 this year, only 576 passed the exercise with 1,170 recording a failure.
Additionally, in Nairobi, where most of the retests were conducted, out of the 978 drivers who underwent a retest, 297 passed while 581 failed.
Moreover, in July 2023, the ministry allowed drivers to renew their licenses without having to undergo the retest.