NTSA’s Move: Replacing Cops with Tech in Driver Tests
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) is investigating the possibility of substituting technology for police officers during theory and practical assessment of Kenyan drivers.
The authority noted in its newly released National Road Safety Action Plan 2023-2027 that it is working to automate the driving test, which is the final step before a person is permitted to drive on Kenyan roads.
If implemented, the NTSA argued, technology would assure the delivery of qualified drivers in a standardized manner, free of human examiner error.
“The function of technology in road safety has been established on numerous occasions and under a variety of conditions. “The testing of drivers before license issuance is crucial to ensure that only qualified drivers are released onto the market,” the plan states.
“The use of technology to automate driver testing will guarantee standardized test administration and reduce or eliminate the examiner’s human element. “Automation of driver testing will be implemented gradually, beginning with the theory test and continuing with the practical test.”
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According to the Traffic Act, a police officer must be present to evaluate a learner driver during a driving examination before the learner is legally permitted to operate a motor vehicle.
Historically, the practice has raised eyebrows regarding the probability of unqualified drivers passing tests after bribing supervisors.
In the plan, the authority is also cognizant of the rise in road accidents near educational institutions across the nation, particularly elementary and secondary schools.
As a consequence, the 2023-2027 plan intends to incorporate road safety education into the primary school curriculum.
Changes will include a review of the current primary school curriculum, the creation of proposals for incorporating road safety, and a review of the school health policy.
Other initiatives include an evaluation of the school transportation policy, the creation of instructional materials, and continuing education for teachers.
In addition, the NTSA will require all boda boda operators to be members of a Sacco and strictly enforce the 18-year-old minimum age requirement for vehicle operators.
NTSA’s Move: Replacing Cops with Tech in Driver Tests
