National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has taken swift action in combating reckless road users following a video that went along showing a Tahmeed bus recklessly overtake other vehicles along the Nairobi-Mombasa highway.
Through a press release issued Thursday, the authority stated that the driver had been tracked down from the SACCO of the bus company and required to retake a driving test.
“We have since made contact with the SACCO, and the driver is to undertake a retest today,” NTCA said. “Finally, we appeal to Kenyans to provide information to us in cases they have witnessed inappropriate driving, with information including number plates, location, as well as the time of occurrence. Action will be taken accordingly.”
The video that went viral on various social media platforms triggered reactions from Kenyans, who expressed anger over what seems to be a dangerous overtake of a truck that is transporting muguka.
As the footage went viral, the bus company at first rallied around the driver in defence of the incident, claiming that the driver had not broken any traffic laws. The company gave a statement claiming that the bus was in the right lane and adhered to road safety standards. The NTSA rejected this explanation and took measures to enforce the regulation.
“At this time, a video has surfaced alleging that one of our buses is being driven recklessly. We would like to set a few things straight. In this video, our bus is clearly in its lane and is following all road safety laws,” it added.
NTSA also indicated it had previously banned another driver operating a public service vehicle after he was reported for driving recklessly from the Kakamega to Nairobi border. This driver had previously failed a resit test and would now have to enroll in a driving school to sit a driving test prior to resuming operation.
“The driver sat for a retest yesterday and did not pass. He shall be required to undergo training before he can book and resit for a drivers test. Only then shall he be eligible to obtain a drivers license,” NTSA explained.
These new developments come as part of broader efforts by NTSA to prevent road accidents, most particularly during peak periods. In November last year, for instance, it put in place tougher measures such as mandatory retesting for those who were marked during enforcement or through its NTSA Intelligent Road Safety Management System (IRSMS).
The IRSMS was launched in 2023 and plays an essential role in ensuring road safety as far as NTSA is concerned. The computerized system tracks PSVS and commercial vehicles to ensure it is aware of speeding, braking, driving, and routing violations among others.
This is considered an automated violation reporting system, which means it reports speeding and overtaking without human intervention.
Drivers who are identified through the system are also expected to undergo retraining processes, in case they want to retain their licenses, as the authority increases measures to ensure discipline on the roads.
