Matatu owners reject return of NTSA officers on roads
Nairobi
By
Emmanuel Kipchumba and Maureen Wanjiku
| Mar 20, 2024
Matatu Owners Association (MOA) has opposed the move by the government to return National Transport and Safety Authority officers (NTSA) on roads.
They argued that the directive by Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen was issued without consulting the Industry players.
"We strongly believe that collaboration and dialogue between industry players and the government are critical in tackling issues related to road safety," said MOA Chief Executive Officer Patricia Mutheu.
MOA President Albert Karakacha faulted the return of NTSA officers on the roads saying it will only encourage corruption.
READ MORE
Government websites hit in major cyberattack
Wangai, Wafula lead Kenyan charge at Sunshine Development Tour
Landslide claims 14 learners in Elgeyo Marakwet, PS Bitok says
At least 14 soldiers killed in South Sudan as 'love triangle' turns bloody
Safaricom banks on innovation as it launches 2025 sustainability report
How 14 family members died in trip to visit sick aunt
14 killed, 152 missing in Taiwan after barrier lake burst
Why State should not pay families of kin killed by police less than Sh150m each
He said the authority is supposed to be a regulator in the sector and not engage in enforcement of traffic rules on the roads.
"We urge the ministry to make sure that NTSA are regulating, they are supposed to be making policies for the transport sector and they are supposed to make sure that they regulate them," Karakacha said.
Murkomen, on Tuesday directed NTSA in collaboration with the National Police Service to promptly start enforcing road safety regulations.
Meanwhile, Central Organization of Trade Unions (Cotu) has called for strict adherence to traffic rules to avert road accidents in the country.
Cotu Secretary General, Francis Atwoli attributed rising cases of road accidents to negligence and flouting traffic rules by motorists.
"As Kenyans, we have no way left to save our people from dying on the road apart from applying strict measures on our roads," said Atwoli in a statement.
He questioned the corruption happening on Kenyan roads leading to lawlessness.
"How do you expect a driver who can bribe his or her way out to adhere to laws or traffic rules? How do you expect a police officer clad in his or her uniform to control traffic rules if he can access a bribe?" Atwoli posed.
He urged the president to intervene and save the situation saying all the institutions supposed to enforce law and order in the country have relaxed.