The National Transport and Safety Authority has cautioned Kenyans, especially those travelling upcountry for end-year festivities, to be on the lookout for unauthorised passenger vehicles.
In a statement sent to Kenyans.co.ke, the Manager in charge of safety programmes at NTSA, Samuel Musumba, noted that the high demand for transport has necessitated travellers to settle for alternative options, including unlicensed and unserviced vehicles.
''We also take note of the influx of unlicensed vehicles also coming in to offer PSV services and unroadworthy vehicles that are resurfacing,'' Musumba stated.
He added that most operators were also taking advantage of the demand to carry excess passengers, especially on long journeys.
''All these behaviours may compound to our challenges when it comes to road safety and will threaten the safety of every user at this particular time,'' Musumba added.
''We expect that passengers will be more careful and more alert about the means of transport they are going to use. Members of the public are cautioned not to board vehicles that are not licensed or illegal PSVs," read part of the advisories.
Passengers were also cautioned to avoid boarding matatus and buses that are fully packed. Nonetheless, NTSA and police officers will be deployed to various highways to ensure drivers adhere to the law.
''We will be monitoring very keenly the operations of every vehicle on that road, just to ensure that we have a safe travel," the advisory read further.
Consequently, travellers were warned to be alert and report road users who party during the festive season.
They were also urged to file complaints and notify police of motorists contravening other traffic laws.
NTSA's advisory comes a day after Interior PS Raymond Omollo asked motorists to exercise caution on the roads amid the El Nino rains, which impair visibility.
