There could be a crisis on major Kenyan roads in three weeks if the Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association make their threats a reality.
This will cause a standstill and lead to losses in revenue following a new directive by National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA)
The group has expressed concerns about the directive by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) on mandatory re-testing for drivers.
The directive requires drivers with class B3, D1, D2, D3, C, C1, C2, CE, and CD licenses to undergo re-testing every three years upon the expiry of their licenses.
The association termed the directive punitive.
They said it will be a financial burden on drivers already earning low incomes.
“We propose that the Ministry of Transport and the NTSA introduce free refresher courses for PSV drivers as a continuous road safety training alternative, rather than imposing costly re-testing,” the group said in a statement.
They have issued a 21-day strike notice, beginning June 21 urging the withdrawal of the directive to avoid industrial action.
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“There should be a constructive dialogue between the ministry, NTSA, and stakeholders to address concerns and find mutually beneficial solutions that prioritize road safety while supporting drivers’ well-being“, the association said.
The periodic retest will be mandatory, conducted every three years before a driver renews their license.
The drivers targeted are those of matatus, taxis, commercial and school buses, NTSA revealed in a statement.
Drivers will be required to apply online via their e-citizen accounts at a fee of Sh1,050.
NTSA Deputy Director and Head of Safety Compliance, Driver Training, and Testing Wilson Tuigong said out of the 302 drivers tested on Tuesday, only 54 passed.
The sector employs thousands of people.
