NTSA, police launch crackdown on unroadworthy vehicles
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) on Friday launched a joint operation with the National Police Service (NPS) targeting unroadworthy vehicles across the country.
This followed a Thursday directive by Transport Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen who tasked NTSA with reining in motorists illegally using their private vehicles as Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) and operating unroadworthy vehicles.
“Joint NTSA NPS road safety enforcement exercise kicks off across the Country, following a directive on illegal PSV’s by the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Roads and Transport, Hon. Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen,” NTSA said in an X statement on Friday.
Also read: How businessmen are illegally altering school vans to save on fuel (Photos)
By Saturday, NTSA reported that it had impounded several vehicles that did not meet the required operating criteria.
“Several unroadworthy public service vehicles (PSV) impounded in a multi-agency crackdown across the country spearheaded by NTSA and National Police. Several others could not pass the inspection at NTSA motor vehicle inspection centres,” NTSA said in a statement.
Speaking during the Matatu Owners Association (MOA) delegates during the National Delegates Council Meeting at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Murkomen directed the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to begin the exercise on Friday, December 1, 2023.
Also read: MP Ronald Karauri criticised for offering ‘lion’s den’ pastor trip to Maasai Mara
According to the CS, a section of motorists had developed the tendency to operate as PSVs without authorisation.
He said that the directive is aimed at addressing growing cases where private vehicles are illegally converted into PSVs without adhering to the mandatory regulations.
At the same time, he cautioned Kenyans against boarding vehicles that are not PSVs, saying it was a risk not worth taking. He also warned citizens not to blame the authorities if they are left stranded after NTSA catches them in these private vehicles.
“As a Kenyan before you board any vehicle, first make sure the car you are boarding is a PSV. Otherwise, once we catch you, you’ll be left stranded wherever the car will be found,” he added
Also read: Jeff Koinange opens up on struggles with infertility and meeting Nelson Mandela