Why State should introduce Ministry of Transport Test

By Peter Nguli
 
It is a D-Day for road users including motorists, pedestrians and passengers and perhaps the best news this month: that the President has assented to the National Transport and Safety Authority Act, 2012.

The Act authorizes the National Transport and Safety Authority to harmonise transport functions currently discharged by the Transport Licensing Board, the National Road Safety Council, Registrar of Motor Vehicles, the Motor Vehicle Inspection Department and the Road Department in the Ministry of Roads. The Act may help in reducing accidents and road madness shown by our 'Matatu' drivers, and other road users.
 
However, the NTSA should go further and introduce Ministry of Transport Test (MOT) for all vehicles. The (MOT) is an annual compulsory test of automobile safety, roadworthiness aspects and exhaust emissions required for all vehicles over three years old used on public roads in the United Kingdom. Perhaps, Kenya can borrow a leaf from the UK on this important automobile test where all vehicles must undergo this annual test to ensure their roadworthiness. It is like a compulsory medical test before one gets employed.
 
It is no secret that some of our vehicles on our roads are like old monuments worth to be placed in a museum.