Protesters storm NTSA offices, demand Director General George Njao’s exit over defiance of board’s retirement order

Tension was high outside the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) headquarters in Nairobi on Tuesday morning as protesters demanded the immediate resignation of Director General George Njao.

The demonstrations, led by road safety lobby groups, accused Njao of defying the NTSA Board’s directive to proceed on terminal leave ahead of his retirement. The board had reportedly advertised the position in the latest MyGov publication, signalling a transition at the agency.

Led by John Mutisya, Secretary General of the Speed Governors and Road Safety Association, the lobbyists called on the Transport Ministry to enforce the board’s decision before the festive season, a period often marred by increased road accidents.

“Please, Mr. Njao, we are asking you to obey your employer and vacate office,” Mutisya said. “We cannot afford confusion in such a critical agency as schools close and travel picks up.”

Mutisya further accused the DG of threatening board members and invoking the names of top government officials—including President William Ruto and Transport CS to allegedly blackmail leadership into letting him remain in office.

David Kiarie, Chairperson of the Road Safety Association of Kenya, claimed that Njao was supposed to begin his terminal leave on Saturday, November 1, but had refused to comply.

“He was to leave office last week, yet he continues to operate as though nothing happened,” Kiarie said.

This latest protest follows a similar demonstration on October 23, when activists camped outside NTSA offices, accusing Njao of clinging to power despite his term ending in October 2022. His stay was reportedly extended unlawfully for another three years, sparking lawsuits and controversy.

The embattled DG has faced multiple court cases over his tenure, all of which ruled in his favour, allowing him to complete his extended term. However, lobbyists now say his continued presence has undermined reforms within NTSA and worsened corruption linked to issuance of driving licences and vehicle inspection certificates.

They claim these alleged lapses have contributed to the surge in fatal road crashes across the country.

As pressure mounts, the NTSA Board and Transport Ministry are yet to issue a formal statement addressing the unfolding standoff.