CS Murkomen extends re-testing of PSV driver’s suspension
The retesting of commercial and public service vehicles (PSVs) has been suspended for an additional three months by Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.
According to Murkomen, the extension would allow his ministry sufficient time to reach an agreement with interested parties regarding the retesting of drivers.
“This is to notify members of the public hereby that the suspension of retesting of drivers who are holders of driving licenses with class endorsement(s); B3, D1, D2, D3, C, C1, CE, and CD has been extended for 3 months effective from the date of this notice,” read the notice released on Friday, October 6.
As a result of an April directive from the transport CS, retesting of drivers commenced in the middle of the year. However, the practice was subsequently halted after stakeholders protested the decision.
Matatu drivers and proprietors threatened to stage demonstrations if the government retested all PSV drivers.
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The initial decision to suspend the re-test was anticipated to end in September, but since no agreement has been reached, the fate of drivers will not be determined until next year.
Murkomen and transportation officials conducted a retest to stem the rise in traffic-related fatalities.
By Section 30(6) of the Traffic Act, retesting of drivers is mandated by law.
Section 39 of Kenya’s Traffic Act stipulates that drivers of public service vehicles and commercial vehicles must pass a driving test every three years to renew their licenses.
Driver retesting is also by the United Nations General Assembly resolution of September 2020 on improving global road safety, which Kenya is a signatory to.
According to the UN Notice on Road Safety Strategy, the goal is to guide United Nations bodies in collaborating to alter outdated perspectives and develop a new strategy for safer travel.
CS Murkomen extends re-testing of PSV driver’s suspension