The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has detained several non-compliant vehicles following the ongoing crackdown to eliminate road accidents.
This enforcement drive led to the detention of a school van found to be operating with a defective speed limiter.
The detained Nissan van was among several vehicles targeted in a nationwide operation aimed at ensuring the safety and compliance of school transport.
Upon inspection, it was discovered that the van lacked a functional speed limiter, a critical safety feature mandated for all school vehicles.
NTSA Directives
As such, NTSA issued directives noting that all school transport vehicles must meet specific conditions to ensure the safety of students during transit.
These conditions include possessing a valid Road Service Licence (RSL), an inspection certificate, and a functional speed limiter.
Additionally, school vehicles must have valid insurance coverage, a prerequisite for operating on public roads.
Furthermore, the authority emphasizes the importance of driver qualifications and certifications adding that drivers must hold the requisite Driving Licence (DL) class endorsement and possess a valid Public Service Vehicle (PSV) badge.
“All School transport vehicles must have; Valid Road Service Licence (RSL), Valid inspection certificate, A functional speed limiter and a Valid vehicle insurance,” noted NTSA
“We urge all schools to ensure compliance with traffic rules and regulations.”
According to NTSA, this ensures that individuals responsible for transporting school children are adequately trained and licensed, thereby minimizing risks associated with inadequate driving skills.
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NTSA Road Safety Compliance Interventions
By ensuring compliance with traffic rules and regulations, the authority notes that it aims to mitigate the potential for accidents and protect the welfare of students.
In light of recent incidents and the heightened enforcement measures, NTSA has urged all schools to prioritize compliance with stipulated requirements.
National Transport and Safety Authority and the police intensified their efforts to enforce road safety regulations, particularly on Thika Road.
In a Sunday, March 31 morning crackdown, several road users were apprehended, with many facing the prospect of spending the Easter holiday in police cells.
The arrests primarily targeted PSV vehicles carrying excess passengers, a violation that poses significant risks to passenger safety.
Additionally, vehicles found without proper documentation, including inspection certificates and Road Service Licenses (RSL), were impounded, with their number plates removed as a consequence.
NTSA Crackdown Set to Continue
Furthermore, the authority’s principal communication officer, Anthony Nyongesa, emphasized the routine nature of these exercises, stressing the overarching objective of ensuring the safety of all Kenyan road users.
This crackdown is part of a broader nationwide initiative aimed at sensitizing the public and bolstering enforcement efforts to uphold traffic regulations.
In a separate operation targeting drunk drivers, several individuals were caught off guard by alcoblow tests.
Drunk driving remains a significant hazard on the roads, as highlighted by Dr. Duncan Kibogong, NTSA’s head of road safety strategies.
Dr. Kibogong reiterated the commitment to taking decisive action to enhance road safety and curb reckless behaviors.
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“We will do whatever it takes to bring sanity on roads,” said Dr Kibogong.
Transport Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen, recently disclosed measures implemented to address road safety concerns, including closer collaboration between NTSA and the National Police Service (NPS).
These collaborative efforts aim to streamline enforcement activities and implement proactive measures to protect Kenyan road users.
