Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has directed the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and the police to conduct a nationwide crackdown on private vehicles being used as Public Service Vehicles (PSVs)
The CS made the announcement while speaking during a meeting with Matatu Owners Association (MOA) at the National Delegates Conference held at the Kenyatta International conference Centre (KICC) on November 30, 2023.
According to Murkomen, private vehicle owners failed to adhere to the mandatory regulations and compliance measures and endangered the lives of Kenyans.
Further, he noted that the nationwide crackdown would be done in partnership with the National Police Service (NPS).
“As part of ongoing efforts to streamline operations and bring order and sanity to the public transport subsector, I have this afternoon directed NTSA in collaboration with the National Police Service to conduct a nationwide crackdown on illegal Public Transport Vehicles with immediate effect.
“This directive is aimed at addressing growing cases where private vehicles are illegally converted into PSVs without adhering to the mandatory regulations and compliance measures governing public transport,” he stated.
Also Read: NTSA Issues 10 Safety Guidelines to Motorists
Murkomen Issues Order to Owners of Private Vehicles
Before using private vehicles for public transport, the CS directed the owners to register the vehicles under the same rules as PSVs including paying inspection fees.
Also, he noted that the private vehicles ought to be registered with the Matatu Owners Association (MOA) before operating as a PSV.
At the same time, he issued a stern warning to those boarding private vehicles stating that they would be left stranded if the vehicle was found going against the laid-out rules.
“As a Kenyan before you board any vehicle, first make sure the car you are boarding is a PSV. Otherwise, once we catch you, you’ll be left stranded wherever the car will be found,” he added.
Also Read: NTSA Goes After Private Vehicles in New Crackdown
NTSA on Private Vehicles Inspection
Earlier on November 21, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) indicated that it would be including private vehicles in its annual motor vehicle inspection exercise.
Appearing before the Senate Transport Committee on Tuesday, November 21, NTSA Director General George Njau, noted that the plan was in its draft stages adding that NTSA would distribute free handbooks to both private and commercial vehicle owners for further details.
“We will provide handbooks to the public to refresh their knowledge on road safety, the traffic code, as there is sometimes an information gap on how to interpret and use available information,” stated Njau.