Drivers threaten to down tools over NTSA's mandatory re-testing rule

Drivers have issued a strike notice effective July 12.[Courtesy]

Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association (LoDDCA) has issued a strike notice for Wednesday, July 12, over the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) directive on mandatory re-testing of drivers.

"Our strike notice follows a directive by the government through NTSA to force drivers to a refresh training at a Sh1,050 fee. Which is a burden to drivers considering our meager earnings," the notice read.

The drivers have proposed that the government should introduce free courses to drivers to educate them on road safety.

The strike notice comes in protest to a directive by Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to have all commercial and public service vehicle drivers undergo re-examination.

Effective June 1, the drivers are to go for a retest as a prerequisite for the renewal of their driving license.

"A driver may undergo a refresher training at a driving school of choice before taking the re-test," the notice published on June 19 read.

The re-test fee has been set at Sh1,050 and shall be conducted at NTSA Driver Test Units.

The results of the re-test are uploaded and verified through the driver's account within 24 hours of administration.

The retest affects motorists licensed to drive for class endorsements B3, D1, D2, D3, C, C1, CE, and CD.

To avert the looming strike, the government has called on transport stakeholders for a meeting to air their grievances and seek amicable solutions.

The Consumers' Federation of Kenya and the Boda Boda Association among other stakeholders have been invited to the meeting in Nairobi.

"Whilst hearing appeals against NTSA decision. Transport Licensing Appeals Board plans to carry out a stakeholders' engagement at the Deputy County Commissioner's hall in Starehe on July 11,2023. We are requesting you to participate in the exercise," the letter read in part.