NTSA Suspends The Following Saccos In Latest Crackdown

On Monday, April 24^th, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) suspended operators from three saccos following tragic accidents that claimed 19 lives.

The suspended Saccos included Taita Taveta Sacco, Tahmeed Sacco, Team Swat Logistics and Management Limited, and Kyoga Hauliers Kenya Limited.

According to the statement, NTSA announced measures to ensure compliance and restore sanity on roads. The changes included a requirement for all vehicles to possess a valid inspection license and a road service license.

Drivers and conductors are also expected to possess a valid driving license and PSV badges. Installation of a speed limiter approved by the Kenya Bureau Of Standards (KEBS) and the Authority as per the standard that transmits data to NTSA’s servers.

The Authority in conjunction with the National Police Service would commence the suspension, revocation, and re-testing of any driver who is observed to drive in such a manner as to be a source of danger to either passengers or motorists.

“For purposes of clarity, this shall include motorists driving in a reckless, careless, and/or dangerous manner,” the statement read in part.

Further, to address traffic congestion experienced along various Central Business Districts (CBD), the Authority halted PSV route extensions and variations in Nairobi and its environs until an assessment of the facilities available was conducted.

All public transport operators which were involved in fatal crashes would be prompted to undergo a mandatory safety compliance assessment.

This would entail the inspection of all their vehicles to ascertain roadworthiness, the assessment of driver qualifications and driving ability examination, and the demonstration of full compliance and adherence to the PSV Regulations Act.

In addition, select PSVs from various Saccos were instructed to undergo a safety compliance assessment, failure to which they would not be allowed to operate until the tests were complete

“The Authority is undertaking a vigorous data cleaning exercise to ensure only legally issued inspection certificates and driving licenses are recognized,” the statement read in part.

At the same time, the NTSA board has sent Director-General George Njao on leave and appointed Mr. Cosmas Ngeso as his interim replacement

The move was announced by board chairman Aden Noor Ali in a press briefing yesterday.

He also announced a data clean-up of NTSA systems to ensure only legally issued inspection certificates and driving licenses are recognized.

“Further to this, the board shall take immediate and severe disciplinary action against members of staff who will issue inspection certificates, driving licenses, and DN endorsement to any vehicle and driver without laid down procedures,” Mr. Ali said.

Related Content: Road Accidents Have Killed 3,541 Since January – NTSA