More Trouble for PSVs as Agencies Call for Speed Governor Upgrades

State agencies have called for all Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) weighing above 3,048 tonnes to install upgraded speed limiters that are tamper proof and synchronized with servers.

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) and the State Department for Infrastructure have unanimously agreed that the new speed limiters should conform to the device standards KS 2295:2018.

“The implementation of the upgraded speed limiters will take effect beginning December 1,” said the NTSA.

However, owners of such vehicles have until March 1, 2019, to ensure that the speed governor upgrades are at par with the required standards. The grace period has been allowed for companies or entities looking to supply the new speed limiters to obtain licenses.

NTSA director general, Francis Meja said that the new device standard, KS 2295:2018 incorporates the obligation that all speed limiting gadgets undergo tests and they should meet the stipulated performance and specifications.

“These requirements are available from NTSA, Chief Mechanical and Transport Engineer (CMTE) and KEBS,” he said.

The State Department for Infrastructure will be represented by the CMTE.

The new changes will see NTSA have control of the data from PSVs across the country. When the implementation of speed governors came to effect in April 2014, it didn’t provide the NTSA with any control over vehicle speeds. Nonetheless, some regulations have since been revised.

Speed data from the PSVs – once the new devices have been put in place – will be transmitted to NTSA servers for curb manipulation and real-time monitoring. It is assumed that without the control of the NTSA and lack of data, the current speed governors are prone to tampering.

A copy of the revised Standard, KS 2295:2018, the implementation guide, and clearance certificate from the NTSA are some of the credentials necessary for dealers looking to manufacture, supply, import, or install the new speed limiters.

“Only registered suppliers will be allowed to sell the speed limiters,” Bernard Nguyo, KEBS acting MD said.

Meanwhile, for a seamless control measure, a Standardization Mark shall be a requirement, and a permit for the mark is obtained from KEBS. One will also be required to make an application for approval of the new device to both NTSA and CTME.