The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has revealed plans of including private motor vehicles in its annual motor vehicle inspection exercise.
Appearing before the Senate Transport Committee on Tuesday, November 21, NTSA Director General George Njau, stated that the plan was in its draft stages and was under discussion on the best way of implementation.
Further, to properly inform motorists of the new move, Director Njau stated that NTSA would distribute free handbooks to both private and commercial vehicle owners.
“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.
Also Read: NTSA Issues 10 Safety Guidelines to Motorists
Questions Raised Over NTSA Inspection Fees
At the same time, Senator Edwin Sifuna, who is part of the committee, raised concerns about the amount of fee intended to be imposed on the motorists for the private inspection exercise.
According to Sifuna, if the decision is made too fast, it could be used as a money-making scheme by unscrupulous individuals withing the authority.
“What is the justification for that fee? Are you looking for money or are you looking for safety?” questioned Sifuna.
In response, Njau assured the committee that the decision to conduct the inspections was anchored on public participation and would ensure the safety of Kenyans.
“When we initiated this process, we conducted a public participation exercise earlier in the year across all regions,” he stated.
Also Read: NTSA Issues Directive to Motorists Over Smart Driving Licence
Sifuna Gives the Authority Conditions for Implementation
On the other hand, Sifuna refuted the move by NTSA to involve the private sector in the inspections adding that it will ultimately lead to additional cost for Kenyans.
“If you do not have the capacity yourselves to conduct inspections, do not involve the private sector. We already experience delays in commercial vehicle inspections; why insist on doing something beyond your capacity?” he argued.
The Azimio Senator also dared the authority to implement their proposed resolutions noting that Njau had said motorists would not be disrupted or harassed over the Christmas holidays.
“NTSA have given assurance that they will not harass motorists over the Christmas holidays as has been the practice in the past. I will believe it when I see it,” he stated.
