Matiang’i wants NTSA to reduce traffic deaths by half in 2019

Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i has directed the National Transport and Safety Authority to work towards ensuring a 50% reduction in traffic-related deaths this year and ultimately sustain near zero deaths.

Speaking to members of the NTSA Board for the first time since the agency was transferred from the Transport ministry on Monday, Matiangi said there is no place for laggards in the revamped NTSA as the government seeks to institutionalise better road safety measures in the country.

“Honesty and loyal leadership is what Kenyans are demanding, and you must directly be accountable to them by enforcing all laws ruthlessly and enforcing the standards without compromising,” he said.

The CS took issue with irregularities reported at the NTSA in the recent past and warned that any official found colluding with criminals to bypass the formal licensing procedures will not be spared or pardoned.

He divulged that investigations against individuals suspected of engaging in cloning of number plates and fraudulent registration of motor vehicles are at an advanced stage and those found culpable will face the law.

“Such irregularities have a ripple effect on our national security – the recent Dusit Hotel Complex attack is a case in point,” said Matiang’i, adding that the syndicate has eaten into the country’s overall revenue collection target.

He challenged the new NTSA Board to conduct an in depth evaluation of the authority so as to ensure it is fit for purpose and align its operations with the government’s efforts geared towards establishing a safe road transport system.

“Our statistics on road accidents do not reflect the number of roadworthy vehicles registered in our systems. These discrepancies imply that there could be several unroadworthy vehicles operating after passing our inspection tests irregularly,” he said.

The CS also urged them to make a habit of getting out of the office to gather first-hand information on the issuance of car plates, issuance and renewal of driving licences and inspection of vehicles, among other operations that fall under NTSA’s mandate.

President Uhuru Kenyatta moved NTSA to the ministry of Interior last month to synchronise information sharing and harmonise its operations with those of other agencies.

Dr Matiang’i assured the new team of the government’s full support and urged them to leverage their education and experience to make proactive decisions that would complement existing road safety measures.

READ: ALARM AS ANOTHER ACTIVIST GOES MISSING IN MATHARE

The board members, John Obwocha, Catherine Waweru, Alice Chesire, Francis  Mwongo, Moses Gachemi and Meshak Kidenda, were appointed by Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia last week and will serve for a period of three years, with effect from February 4, 2019.

 

Latest

Captain William Ruto: President’s Namesake With a Decorated Career

Captain William Kipkemboi Ruto is officially known by the name William Ruto, which also happens to be President William Samoei Ruto’s official name.

Amazing Origin of ‘Pesa’ and How Shilling Overtook Foreign Currencies

With the establishment of individual Central Banks for the three East African countries, Kenya began printing and minting its own shilling currency notes under the mandate given to the Central Bank of Kenya in 19676.

Engineer Turned Away by 6 Banks Now Owns Premium Hotel Chain

In just 12 years, PrideInn Hotels & Resorts has grown from one hotel with 28 rooms to eight hotels in five counties.

Resignation of 3 Standard Group Directors Signals Big Trouble

Standard Group Directors: Media house announced through its Nairobi Securities Exchange filing that Dr Githinji Gitahi - who was an Independent, Non-Executive Director - had quit effective 10th November, 2023.

Follow Us

Newsletter

Don't miss

Tusker Oktobafest Rolls East African Cultures into One

From regional events across Kenya to inaugural gatherings in Uganda and Tanzania, and the Tusker Oktobafest grand finale in Nairobi, the festival harmonized traditions, celebrated diversity, and highlighted the rich cultural tapestry of the East African culture

Lupita’s Little Brother Junior Nyong’o Charting His Own Path in Acting

Junior Nyongó, who is also a musician and a DJ and now a graduate of UC San Diego with an MFA in Acting, is crafting his own solid path in the world of acting with roles in major theatre productions.

Safaricom To Power Tusker OktobaFest Beer Festival

Safaricom’s involvement in OktobaFest as a technology and payments partner will focus on fostering seamless in-festival connectivity, empowering the youth and Gen Z community through Safaricom Hook, and powering digital payments through M-PESA.

Music Producers Launch Organization To Streamline Recording Industry

Recording Industry of Kenya (RIKE) was launched on 9th October 2023. Registered in 2022 as a not-for-profit organization, RIKE aims to promote the collective interests of producers of sound recordings in the country.

Nairobi’s Hero Bar Listed Among World’s 50 Best Bars

World Best Bars: Hero Bar in Nairobi continues to climb the list, moving up six places to No.62 and Johannesburg’s Sin + Tax comes in at No.94. Dubai new entry Ergo is at No.69 and Melbourne’s Byrdi has re-entered the list at No.61.

Kenyan DJs Face Off In Smirnoff Battle Of The Beats Season 3

The Smirnoff Battle of the Beats Season 3, a DJ competition, is poised to unleash an unprecedented musical frenzy countrywide.

The Highs And Lows Of Betty Kyallo, Sisters Show As Season 2 Ends

Kyallo Kulture has always been, above all, about sisterhood, and in Season 2 we have witnessed the charm of it - the ups that gave us wholesome moments as the sisters led by Betty Kyallo spent time together.

DStv Beats CNN, BBC To Become Most Admired Media Outlet In Africa

DStv, MultiChoice Group’s leading broadcast service, has been named...

MultiChoice Revises Subscription Fees For DStv, GOtv

MultiChoice has announced price adjustments on some of their...

Octopizzo: How I Make My Money

"I've been doing this for 12, 13 years. It reaches a point where you no longer need to prove that you can make a hit record," he stated.
BT Correspondent
BT Correspondenthttp://www.businesstoday.co.ke
editor [at] businesstoday.co.ke

Captain William Ruto: President’s Namesake With a Decorated Career

Captain William Kipkemboi Ruto is officially known by the name William Ruto, which also happens to be President William Samoei Ruto’s official name.

Amazing Origin of ‘Pesa’ and How Shilling Overtook Foreign Currencies

With the establishment of individual Central Banks for the three East African countries, Kenya began printing and minting its own shilling currency notes under the mandate given to the Central Bank of Kenya in 19676.

Engineer Turned Away by 6 Banks Now Owns Premium Hotel Chain

In just 12 years, PrideInn Hotels & Resorts has grown from one hotel with 28 rooms to eight hotels in five counties.

1 COMMENT

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here