Why new NTSA guidelines might defeat its primary purpose.

<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE </xml><xml> </xml> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:auto; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:auto; mso-para-margin-left:0in; text-indent:.4in; line-height:150%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> I am not a cynic so to set the record clear from the onset. I am in fact positively skeptical although not doubtful that the new NSTA rules will help inject new or restore sanity to our roads. Their introduction is in fact long overdue. It ought to have been done long ago to avoid pilling up the statistical records of fatalities on our roads monthly or annually.

It is indeed unfortunate to see innocent commuters perish miserably on the wheels of death simply because of our drivers’ negligence of simple safety traffic regulations.

If anyone would bother to wind back the clock 12 years ago, a picture of the late John Michuki’s traffic regulations would clearly resurface, that is for those who had the opportunity to live then. Traffic madness to a large extent, reduced significantly compared to the prior cases although some cartels eventually messed it up.  

Michuki rules miscarriage was largely linked to individualistic interests who were geared towards establishing monopolistic transport atmosphere in the country among many other reasons although the primary idea was a fairly welcoming one.

We might not experience such exact misfortunes with the new NTSA measures but something similar to that is highly and likely to be witnessed. Because if a driver is for example found to be operating a vehicle minus a valid driving license, the rule spells out a ksh1,000 for the offender. Meaning after meeting that penalty, he/she can just proceed on with the journey, come back tomorrow again to the same spot pays the amount, drive on and make it a habit.

If the government will capitalize on these measures to generate revenue for itself at the expense of what it is not intended for, (sanity on our roads), then no doubt we are yet to witness a replica of “Michuki rules” debacle. I am afraid that even with the rampant extortion for bribes of matatu operators on our roads by traffic officers would see this vibrant idea just die an artificial death like the Michuki’s rather than spruce up the public transport sector.