NTSA Takes Action On Diplomatic Car Whose Driver Had Expired Licence

A photo shared by the authority showed the vehicle, a black Toyota Prado, being attended to by a police officer and an NTSA official

NTSA Takes Action On Diplomatic Car Whose Driver Had Expired Licence
A diplomatic vehicle found operating with an expired insurance on April 1, 2024. /NTSA

The National Transport Safety Authority (NTSA) on Monday, April 1 announced that it, in conjunction with police, seized a diplomatic vehicle which was accused of breaking two traffic rules.

A photo shared by the authority showed the vehicle, a black Toyota Prado, being attended to by a police officer and an NTSA official, both of whom were wearing reflector jackets linked to the authority.

The Authority stated that the vehicle with the number plate CD, which stands for Corps Diplomatique (French) or Diplomatics Corps (English) Norway, was operating with an expired insurance.

Additionally, the vehicle's driver was found to be driving with an expired driving licence (DL).

Road safety compliance checks within Kisii town. /NTSA

"A diplomatic vehicle found operating with an expired insurance. Additionally, the driver has an expired DL," stated NTSA.

It is compulsory to insure your vehicle in Kenya. Driving a car without insurance will attract a penalty of Ksh10,000 or jail term not exceeding two years, or both.

If you have a driving licence, then you should stick to the vehicle classes you studied in driving school. Failing to do that attracts a penalty of Ksh7,000 and failure to renew your license after the expiry date attracts a Ksh1,000 levy. 

You should also have this document always; otherwise, failure to produce it on demand will be a crime punishable by a Ksh1,000 fine. Unqualified persons without the required documentation pay Ksh7,000.

NTSA officers have been actively cracking down on vehicles and motorists violating traffic laws and regulations, especially during the Easter Season.

Also on Monday, a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) was caught with three violations; its driver with an expired driving licence and no PSV badge, its conductor found without a badge, and the vehicle's offside door not permanently locking, which presents a hazard for passengers.

At the same time, NTSA vowed to take action against the crew of a private minibus taxi caught on camera being driven recklessly. A video on social media which sparked uproar showed the rowdy passengers hanging on the vehicle's windows.

"This is irresponsible and reckless. In a split second, a catastrophic incident could occur as a result of such behaviour. The driver risked his life, that of his passengers and other road users," condemned NTSA.

NTSA also condemned the driver and the passengers who were seen praising the driver whenever he pulled off the risky moves.

"Passengers cheering on reckless drivers endanger their own lives. We will take action against the crew of this vehicle," stated NTSA.

It was not clear if authorities had arrested the driver in question and his fellow crew members by the time of publishing this article.

Collage image of recklessly driven vehicle skidding across lanes. /NTSA