The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has been criticised following allegations that some of its officials were harassing and exploiting motorists.
Addressing stakeholders on Thursday, November 28, Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino announced plans to create a bill to amend the existing NTSA regulations.
According to the lawmaker, the current NTSA Act was formulated to infringe the rights and freedom of motorists thus an amendment to the Act would help mitigate the current crisis facing most drivers.
The Bill, dubbed the Online Drivers Amendment Bill, seeks to amend the Act that governs the operations of motorists including the fines and penalties imposed on drivers.
He said he would soon hold a meeting with leaders from the transport sector to come up with a bill that would ensure the input of drivers is included in the proposed piece of legislation.
“From next week on Wednesday I will meet all the leaders so that we can start drafting an amendment Bill dubbed the Online Drivers Amendment Bill to amend the NTSA Act,” Babu Owino said.
“I know the bill will face a lot of opposition from some of the lawmakers but that is normal, they are planning to reject it because it is a money bill,” he added.
The move follows the recent crackdown launched by NTSA officials jointly with the National Police Service (NPS) across major roads in the country. During the operation, several motorists were arrested.
The compliance checks also came against the backdrop of Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi's directive ordering the crackdown on all unroadworthy vehicles following a surge in accidents.
In his directive, Mudavadi ordered police to ensure that all the Public Service Vehicles (PSV) have the registered name of the Sacco, have inspection status and operate from their licensed routes.
"I hereby instruct all traffic police officers to ensure that all PSVs are roadworthy and are driven safely. They must ensure that all the PSVs on the road have the registered name of the Sacco/Company/Institution, have inspection status and operate from their licensed routes," Mudavadi said.
"Statistics indicate that there has been an increase in accidents. I would urge motorists to ensure that they drive carefully, and public service Vehicles (PSVs) adhere to the road safety rules," Mudavadi added.
