A section of motorists and stakeholders in the automotive sector want to be incorporated into the vehicle inspection exercise.
Led by Kenya Motor Repairers Association (KEMRA), the motorists argued that National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) inspection centres were overstretched, thus hampering the process.
Through a statement dated Friday, November 4, motor repairs asked Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to institute reforms that would give them powers to also carry out vehicle inspections.
Defending their demands, KEMRA chairperson James Muthui Kogi argued that they would employ advanced technology that is not subject to manipulation before uploading results onto NTSA systems in real time.
"It is expected that the formal motor vehicle repair industry players will get their rightful opportunity of carrying out this work as happens in other developed economies of the world and at a time when we are looking for opportunities to industrialize such sectors for the needed job creation," motor repairs stated.
Muthui further maintained that granting private firms involved in the automobile business powers to conduct inspections will also boost NTSA's capacity to execute their mandate.
The move was also key to reducing accidents, as only roadworthy vehicles will be allowed into different highways across the country.
According to the motorists, the directive would aid NTSA in inspecting vehicles once they attain the age of four years.
Besides demanding inspection powers, motorists also reached out to CS Murkomen over the state of the public transport system.
They tasked the CS with streamlining the sector and reviving key projects, including the Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) system.
"The transport ministry has over the years grappled with the idea of a Bus Rapid Transit BRT public transport operation for Nairobi due to the chaotic nature of the public transport sector in this country.
However, without a substantial increase in economic development, it will be difficult to streamline this sector due to the number of jobs it provides," KEMRA stated.
Moreover, Muthui asked Murkomen to revive the motor manufacturing sector, which they argued would contribute to the growth of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
