Murkomen Orders NTSA, Police To Crack Down On Private Vehicles Countrywide

Transport Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen has ordered the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and the National Police Service (NPS) to crack down on all private vehicles operating as Public Service Vehicles (PSVs).

Addressing the Matatu Owners Association delegates during the National Delegates Council Meeting at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on Thursday, November 30, Murkomen revealed that some motorists have gained notoriety for operating PSVs without authorisation.

As such, the crackdown which begins immediately is aimed at bringing sanity to the country's public transport sector.

"As part of ongoing efforts to streamline operations and bring order and sanity to the public transport subsector, I have this afternoon directed the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) Kenya, in collaboration with the National Police Service, to conduct a nationwide crackdown on illegal Public Transport  Vehicles (PSVs) with immediate effect," Murkomen directed in a statement.

He noted that the directive is aimed at addressing growing cases where private vehicles are illegally converted into PSVs without adhering to the mandatory regulations and compliance measures governing public transport.

As such, private vehicles operating as PSVs are required to follow procedures established for PSVs including paying inspection fees and all other necessary taxes.

They should also be registered with the Matatu Owners Association (MOA) before operating as PSVs, with the CS specifying vehicles such as Sienta, Probox and Voxy as notorious for illegal operations.

"I cannot just tell you this and fail to implement it. From tomorrow morning Kazi inaanza (work begins)," Murkomen affirmed.

The CS also targeted all private vehicle owners, especially revellers, attributing them to the high number of road accidents along Kenyan roads, more than PSVs themselves.

In Nairobi, some commuters cited their preference for lifts offered affordable offers by private vehicles, with some of the cars carrying up to five passengers to and fro as the drivers head to work and back home. 

Private vans belonging to corporations were also listed by commuters, among vehicles preferred as alternatives to matatus which take longer hours at termini. 

This comes as the NPS is also turning towards the infamous alcoblow breathalyser checks along all major roads across the country to prevent accidents related to drunk driving ahead of the festive season.

Speaking on Thursday, November 2 during a road safety campaign exercise in Kisumu County, Nairobi Traffic Police Superintendent Erick Kiragu revealed that the alcoblow tests will help deter Kenyan motorists from engaging in drunk-driving acts that cause accidents which claim thousands of lives annually.

According to Kiragu, officers from the NPS' traffic division will carry out inspections on both private and public vehicles to ensure compliance with the current road rules and regulations.