The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) is facing mounting criticism after two deadly road crashes claimed 20 lives in just two days, with lobby groups accusing the agency of negligence, corruption, and failure to enforce safety standards.
The Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association (LODCA) blamed NTSA for allowing unsafe vehicles, particularly the Toyota Hiace H200 series, to dominate Kenya’s public transport despite their weak structures and poor crash survival rates.
“Passengers are left to face unsafe vehicles, rising road fatalities and preventable deaths. Drivers are subjected to exploitation, long hours and harsh targets that push them into fatigue, poor mental health and unsafe driving. Corruption has flourished, with some drivers obtaining licenses without even basic knowledge of the Highway Code,” LODCA said.
The lobby accused NTSA of failing to phase out high-risk vehicles despite safer alternatives such as the Toyota Hiace H300 being available. It further faulted NTSA Director General George Njao, whose three-year term ended in 2022, for overstaying in office, and Licensing Director Cosmas Ngeso for failing to guarantee credible driver licensing and safe vehicle registration.
“Their inability to enforce the NTSA Act, regulate unsafe vehicles and safeguard both passengers and drivers has cost Kenyans their lives. These leaders must be investigated, held accountable and compelled to step down,” the lobby stated.
LODCA also decried inefficiencies in NTSA’s service delivery, including delays in issuing smart licenses, logbooks, and number plates, loopholes that brokers exploit at the expense of ordinary Kenyans.
The concerns follow Sunday’s fatal accident near Kikopey, Gilgil, along the Nakuru–Nairobi highway, where 13 people died after a 14-seater matatu collided head-on with a semi-trailer truck. Nakuru County Police Commander Emmanuel Opuru confirmed three survivors, including two children, were rushed to Gilgil Sub-County Hospital.
“The matatu was overtaking and then it rammed into the trailer, causing 13 fatalities and three others seriously injured,” Opuru said.
Authorities have since launched investigations into the crash as road safety officials urged motorists to exercise extreme caution, particularly when overtaking on busy highways.
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