The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) is seeking to cap the age limit of drivers allowed to operate public service vehicles including; matatus, buses, boda-bodas tuk-tuks and other heavy commercial vehicles.
In its new Public Curriculum, the Authority stated that matatus will be driven by individuals aged above 25 years, while bus drivers should have a minimum age of 30.
According to the new regulations, persons who wish to operate boda-boda or tuk-tuks should be 21 years and above.
The authorities further indicated that the new set of laws were geared towards minimizing road carnage, citing that experienced drivers were more capable of controlling buses and other heavy commercial vehicles.
NTSA highlighted that the numerous road accidents were as a result of human error hence the need for new curriculum for drivers.
"Road safety is a serious issue in Kenya, with approximately 3,000 people dying every year and many more seriously injured as result of road traffic accidents. Over 90 percent of accidents result from human error, it is therefore very important that drivers are provided with sufficient education and skills to enable them to use roads safely." NTSA Director of Road Safety stated.
The new curriculum will be enforced once the public has made its contribution over the next 10 days.
