The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has issued a directive requiring all motorists to present their vehicles for mandatory annual inspections ahead of the upcoming school reopening, as part of efforts to enhance road safety during the busy travel period.
In a statement released on Tuesday, December 30, NTSA announced that all motor vehicle inspection centres across the country will remain open and fully operational to facilitate compliance before schools resume. The authority urged motorists, particularly operators of public service vehicles and school transport, to take advantage of the inspection window to avoid last-minute rushes and potential penalties.
According to NTSA, the inspections are aimed at identifying and addressing common safety defects that continue to pose serious risks on Kenyan roads. These include faulty or non-functional speed limiters, defective braking systems, missing or damaged seat belts, loose or unstable seats, and malfunctioning door locks.
The authority noted that similar defects were frequently detected during previous compliance checks, raising concerns about the safety standards of vehicles operating on public roads, especially those ferrying schoolchildren.
NTSA further warned that motorists who fail to comply with the inspection requirement risk enforcement action, including fines and vehicle impoundment. Traffic police officers, working alongside NTSA officials, are expected to intensify road safety compliance checks nationwide as schools reopen.
The agency reiterated its commitment to reducing road accidents and called on motorists to play their part by ensuring their vehicles are roadworthy and meet all safety requirements.