The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has ordered a mandatory retest for drivers found to be engaging in reckless driving.
In a statement issued on January 8, NTSA said it had contacted matatu saccos that had been reported by members of the public for reckless driving, noting that such conduct puts passengers’ lives at risk.
A video that has circulated online, showed an incident of a Tahmeed bus racing against a lorry on the highway.
The bus, which was overspeeding, overtook a lorry that was also moving at high speed.
In response to that incident, NTSA stated that:
“We contacted the Sacco and the driver will undergo a retest today,” read part of the statement.
The incident follows a fatal road accident involving a Tahmeed bus and a Naekana Shuttle, a 19-seater Toyota Hiace, in which several people died.
The accident occurred at around 11 p.m. on the night of January 2 at Konza City, Machakos County.
NTSA Swings Into Action Against Matatu Saccos With Reckless Drivers
Additionally, another matatu driver was reported for dangerous overtaking along the Kakamega–Nairobi route.
The transport authority stated that the driver was sought after and underwent a mandority re-test on January 7.
The driver failed the test and has been instructed to enroll again in a licensed driving school for training before he is eligible to book and sit for a driving test.
Only after passing the test will he qualify to acquire a DL.
Also Read: Several Feared Dead in Tahmeed Bus, Shuttle Crash Along Mombasa Road
The authority has urged the public to report any case of reckless driving by providing details such as the vehicle’s registration number, the location of the incident, as well as the date and time.
NTSA assured the public that it will take the necessary action immediately.
The transport authority thanked the public for their vigilance and support in promoting shared responsibility for road safety.
Also Read: Passengers Carrying Explosives on a Tahmeed Bus Intercepted
Tahmeed Bus Drivers Suspended
In December, NTSA suspended licenses of 62 public service vehicle (PSV) drivers from seven transport operators following a compliance assessment that uncovered multiple violations and serious safety concerns.
The affected operators included 23 Tahmeed Express Limited bus drivers.
Other public transport operators suspended included Latema Travelers Bus and Safari Company Limited, with 13 drivers.
Meru Nissan Operators Sacco had 10 drivers suspended, MTrans Sacco Limited recorded 7, Moline Prestige Services Shuttle Limited had 6, and Enabled Mashariki Investment Limited reported 3 suspended drivers.
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