The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), is currently carrying out road safety compliance checks across the country. Consequently, NTSA has launched a crackdown on vehicles that are illegally using strobe lights, light bars and sirens. The transport authority is taking the measures due to unauthorised persons using the lights illegal to harass other road users.
“Please, note that complaints have reached this office regarding harassment on our Roads and Highways by unauthorized persons using strobe lights, light bars, sirens, and lead/chase cars,” read part of NTSA’s circular to all Regional Police Commanders in Kenya.
Unauthorised persons, who have illegally mounted the lights on their vehicles, have done so in contravention of the Traffic Act Cap 403 sec 34. Further, the Order of Precedence Act of 2014 establishes who gets to use sirens, including the President, Deputy President, speakers of Parliament, and the Chief Justice. However, it prioritizes the use of sirens by emergency vehicles like police cars, fire engines, and ambulances.
Therefore, the law requires police to take action against anyone found using unauthorized strobe lights, light bars, sirens, or lead/chase cars on Kenyan roads and highways.
School Vehicles Compliance Checks
Further, after schools resumed for the second term of the academic year, NTSA is also carrying out road safety compliance checks on school vehicles. All School transport vehicles must be equipped with a functional speed limiter that’s directly connected to the National Transport and Safety Authority’s Intelligent Road Safety Management System (IRSMS).
Additionally, the PSV must possess a valid inspection certificate, a valid Road Service Licence (RSL), and functional seatbelts for all passengers. Up-to-date vehicle insurance is also mandatory. The driver operating the PSV must hold a valid driving license with the appropriate class endorsement and a current PSV badge. Finally, vehicle must NOT be overloaded.
In a safety crackdown, authorities impounded a vehicle found transporting 13 students on the Kitale-Kapenguria Road. The driver has been arrested and faces legal action.
