The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) proposes to inspect all vehicles on Kenyan roads that are more than 4 years old, at a cost to the motorists. While inspecting vehicles with a view to ensuring their suitability on the road is a welcome move, it does not escape us that the NTSA has had very little impact in improving road safety.
Road deaths in 2015 rose to 3,057 compared to 2,907 in 2014. This, needless to say, is one of the indicators that NTSA has been performing below par.
Not only that, public outcry from the manner in which NTSA officers leaves a lot to be desired; they are simply as bad as the extortionist Traffic Department policemen. Yet the public expects value from their taxes.
It would seem the enforcement of existing traffic laws that are more than adequate to restore order on our roads is of secondary importance to NTSA.
The authority, besides trundling out a plethora of rules it doesn’t follow through, must also deal with the behavioural element; drivers' apathy to the Highway Code, rudeness, carelessness and drunk-driving which make need make driving a less desirable and unenjoyable experience. The public expects more than just new rules from NTSA.
