The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has vowed to take action following the circulation of a disturbing video showing two 14-seater matatus driving recklessly on the Nairobi-Nyeri highway.
The video, which has caused outrage among motorists and the public, depicts the matatus swerving across the road, while passengers can be seen cheering and blowing whistles.
Some passengers were even observed hanging out of the windows on both sides of the vehicles.
The video, recorded and shared by concerned motorists, was brought to the attention of NTSA.
In a statement issued on Monday, December 23, 2024, the road safety authority condemned the reckless behavior, describing it as unacceptable.
NTSA confirmed that the owners of the vehicles involved in the incident have been summoned for questioning.
“This is unacceptable. The owners of the PSVs have been summoned, and we will take action,” NTSA stated.
The National Police Service (NPS) also responded to the incident. Police Spokesperson Dr. Resila Onyango confirmed that investigations have begun, and the vehicle owners have been traced.
She revealed that the owners have been summoned to appear at the Makuyu traffic base for questioning.
“We have traced both owners and summoned them to report to the RTEO Central for questioning,” Dr. Onyango stated.
Under the Traffic Act, Rule 80 stipulates that anyone found traveling with any part of their body outside a moving vehicle is liable to a fine of sh 1,000. Sections 53(1) and 67 impose a sh 10,000 fine for vehicles that obstruct or cause inconvenience to other motorists.
The NTSA and traffic officers have been intensifying their crackdown on traffic violations, particularly during the festive season, in response to a rise in road accidents across the country.
The authority has been conducting regular safety education and compliance checks along major highways in various counties.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi also announced a nationwide crackdown on unlicensed and unroadworthy matatus after a concerning 11% rise in serious road injuries since 2023.
Mudavadi directed that police presence be increased, with patrols day and night along key highways to ensure compliance with traffic laws, prevent reckless driving, and stop the operation of unlicensed and overloaded public service vehicles (PSVs).
“I urge Kenyans, especially public service vehicle drivers, to drive safely and be cautious during this festive season to ensure the safety of our people,” Mudavadi urged in a statement at Harambee House.
This increased focus on road safety comes as the NTSA reports a significant rise in road accidents.
By November 2024, there had been 21,620 recorded accidents, up from 20,191 in the same period in 2023.
Fatalities have also increased, with 4,282 deaths in 2024 compared to 3,901 in 2023. Serious injuries rose to 10,662 from 9,501 last year.
Pedestrians and motorcyclists remain the most vulnerable road users, with fatalities among pedestrians increasing to 3,917 in 2024, up from 3,427 in 2023.
Motorcyclist fatalities also rose to 4,042, compared to 3,714 last year.
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