National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) Director General George Njao has been sent on 30-day compulsory leave by the board over the rising numbers of road accidents in the country.
The NTSA board chairman Aden Noor Ali who announced a raft of measures to restore safety and sanity on the roads has appointed Cosmas Ngeso to take over in an acting capacity.
The move, the Authority which has been in the spotlight says is meant to pave way for investigations amid growing concerns.
It comes barely a week after the Cabinet last Tuesday directed the ministries of Transport and Interior to take remedial action and contain rising fatal crashes.
At the same time, the licenses of PSV operators involved in the recent accidents this month have been suspended with immediate effect.
The drivers are also required to undergo a safety compliance assessment before they are cleared.
The exercise entails inspection of all their vehicles to ascertain roadworthiness, assessment of driver qualifications, driving ability examination, and demonstration of full compliance with the PSV Regulations, 2014.
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Those affected are Taita Taveta Sacco that was involved in an accident on April 15 that killed 10 people, Tahmeed Sacco where four people lost their lives, Team Swat Logistics and Kyoga Hauliers Kenya Limited in which five students died.
Additionally, all PSV saccos have been given a 30-day notice to ensure they operate a minimum of 30 vehicles as per the NTSA regulations or have their licenses revoked.
It is also mandatory for operators to have a valid inspection for all vehicles, road service licenses, valid driving licenses, and PSV Badges for all drivers and conductors.
Other strict measures to rein in rogue drivers include installation of approved speed limiters by CMTE, KEBS and the Authority.
“The Authority shall provide both technological and policy advisory support to the National Police Service to ensure the fulfillment of their mandate regarding the enforcement of traffic laws” said the agency.
Reckless drivers have also been put on notice even as NTSA and Police launch a joint crackdown targeting motorists who violate the Traffic Act and related laws.
“ Pursuant to Section 40 of the Traffic Act, the Authority in conjunction with the National Police Service shall commence the suspension, revocation and/or re-testing of any driver who is observed to drive in such a manner as to be a source of danger to the public. For purposes of clarity, this shall include motorists driving in a reckless, careless and/or dangerous manner” said Ali
To address traffic congestion concerns, NTSA has banned PSV route extensions and variations in Nairobi and environs until an assessment of facilities available is conducted.
It further revealed that it is undertaking a vigorous data-cleaning exercise to ensure only legally issued inspection certificates and driving licenses are recognized
Consequently, the board has issued a stern warning to the staff who will go against the laid down procedures.
“Further to this, the Board shall take immediate and severe disciplinary action against members of staff who will issue an inspection certificate and/or road service license and/or driving licence and DL endorsement to any vehicle and driver without laid down procedures” the chair stated.
