The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has revealed how it handles motorists with suspended driving licences amid an intensified crackdown on rogue drivers.
In a brief statement on Thursday, January 15, NTSA confirmed that it maintains a centralised database of all drivers whose driving licences have been suspended or revoked.
The clarification came in response to concerns raised by some members of the public who warned that rogue drivers can easily move from one SACCO to another and continue operating despite licence revocation.
"A step in the right direction, but you need to have a central database of suspended unqualified drivers and conductors. They could otherwise easily join another sacco and remain foolish," posed an online user.
However, according to the Safety Authority, once a driver’s licence is suspended, the individual cannot join or operate under any registered SACCO in the country.
NTSA further stated that once a driver's licence is suspended, they are required to return to a registered driving school for retraining before their licences can be reinstated.
“We have the database. Once the driving licence is suspended, the driver cannot join any SACCO. He or she must go back to a driving school to train afresh,” NTSA stated.
In its statement, the Authority also clarified concerns that suspended drivers might seek employment in private transport companies that do not operate under the SACCO system.
NTSA also explained that all drivers' data were digitally available, ensuring that every driver's record is easily accessible by any potential employer seeking to recruit them.
“The information is automatically updated on the free NTSA mobile app. Further, driving licence records can be searched via the NTSA service portal,” the authority noted.
NTSA's clarification followed after it announced the suspension of a driver and a conductor after a viral video showed the crew recklessly driving with the conductor pushing a girl who was standing by the roadside.
The incident, which occurred on December 31, sparked outrage among Kenyans, with some calling on the Authority to take action against the rogue motorist.
NTSA launched investigations, resulting in the suspension of the driver's licence, with the Authority further revealing that the driver and the conductor had been disengaged by their SACCO.
"Both the driver and the conductor have been disengaged by the Sacco. The Driver's driving licence has also been suspended after he failed a retest," NTSA said.
