The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has taken decisive action against two Passenger Service Vehicle (PSV) Saccos, namely Bungoma Line Safari Ltd and Smart Highways Sacco Ltd, suspending their operating licenses.
This move comes as a response to serious violations of transport and speed regulations outlined in the Traffic Act.
According to NTSA Director General George Njao, the suspensions were prompted by the Saccos’ failure to adhere to the provisions of Section 5 of the NTSA (Operation of PSV) Regulations, 2014, and analysis of speed data violations collected through the NTSA Intelligent Road Safety Management System (IRSMS).
Njao emphasized the gravity of the situation by stating, “The suspensions were necessitated by the Saccos’ failure to comply with provisions of Section 5 of the NTSA (Operation of PSV) Regulations, 2014 and analysis of speed data violations that were compiled through the NTSA Intelligent Road Safety Management System (IRSMS).”
The NTSA directive requires the two Saccos to ensure compliance with transport regulations by submitting their vehicles for inspection and their drivers for retesting.
Failure to comply will result in police intervention, including the impoundment of vehicles operating in violation of the suspension.
“The Authority expects the Saccos to comply with all the requirements of the Traffic Act, the PSV Regulations, and present their vehicles for compliance inspection to establish their roadworthiness and to confirm the functionality of the installed speed limiters,” added the DG.
Additionally, the National Police Service (NPS) has been instructed to impound vehicles found operating contrary to the suspension orders.
NTSA has outlined specific requirements for compliance inspections.
Bungoma Line Safari Ltd is expected to present 162 vehicles, while Smart Highways Sacco Ltd needs to present 29 vehicles for inspection.
Furthermore, Line Safari is obliged to ensure 162 vehicles comply with speed regulations, while Smart Highways Sacco Ltd must ensure 27 vehicles meet the necessary standards.
In addition to vehicle inspections, all drivers from both Saccos are mandated to undergo safety sensitization.
Fourteen drivers from Line Safari and two from Smart Highways Sacco are required to undergo retesting to ensure their competence in road safety standards.
