The Kenya Transporters Association (KTA) on Saturday, July 8, urged matatu Saccos to facilitate their drivers to retake the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) tests.
KTA wants the employers to bear the financial burden by paying the Ksh1,050 fee. Newton Wang'oo, the association's chairperson, stated that drivers will be relieved as they were already struggling to meet their basic needs.
"As an association that values the well-being of drivers, we advise that we collectively, as employers, bear the cost of driver retesting charges for each of the drivers in our employment once every three years on humanitarian grounds," read part of the statement.
Wang'oo further argued that the drivers worked tirelessly, and the tough economic times leaves them with little to spare.
He added that drivers forgo their personal time and comfort to ensure businesses thrive despite the challenges on the road, including being harassed by rogue traffic police.
"By investing in their well-being, we are not only supporting them but also safeguarding the future of our industry," he added.
According to the association, the move will highlight the employers' commitment to the drivers' welfare and uphold the spirit of compassion and empathy.
On June 19, NTSA announced mandatory retesting of all drivers to weed out unfit drivers from the road. The test will also assess motorists' physical fitness.
Drivers were expected to retake the test after every three years to keep them up to date with the requirements of road safety rules.
NTSA added that all those who failed the exams will be required to get refresher courses at a licensed driving school before being tested again.
However, on Thursday, July 6, Benson Mwenda, the Chairperson of the Matatu Transport Vehicle Association, complained that some of the tests were outdated.
He further argued that it was unfair to test all the drivers in English stressing that some of them could only express themselves in their native language.
"Some of these drivers have been on the road for over 25 years, how do you expect them to recall everything taught while at driving school," he questioned.
