Nairobi: The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has asked the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure led by Ndia MP George Kariuki to support their bid to retain Sh3 billion in own-source revenue to fund road safety programs.
According to Kenya News Agency, in a meeting with the Committee at the NTSA head office in Nairobi, NTSA Director General Nahashon Kodhiwa told lawmakers that the funds are critical to scaling up enforcement, public education, and data systems needed to reduce the rising number of road fatalities in the country. Kodhiwa emphasized the importance of retaining these funds, stating that NTSA generates between Sh9 and Sh10 billion annually of own-source revenue but only accesses a small percentage of this, which hinders their legal responsibilities.
Kodhiwa further explained that the Sh3 billion sought would directly support life-saving interventions, including strengthening compliance checks, rolling out digital number plates, enhancing the TIMS system, and expanding road safety campaigns. Committee Chairman George Kariuki expressed support for NTSA’s request, acknowledging the potential impact on reducing road fatalities.
Nakuru Town West MP Samuel Arama and Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda highlighted the need for NTSA to collaborate with other road agencies like KeNHA and KURA to identify areas requiring attention. However, the Committee advised against imposing speed limits on highways, citing potential traffic congestion issues.
In addressing the boda boda and matatu sectors, Committee Members called for streamlined operations to improve safety and job creation. They advocated for intergovernmental cooperation involving county authorities to establish order, as emphasized by Ruaraka MP TJ Kajwang. Jomvu MP Twalib Bady also encouraged NTSA to engage with MPs through CDF funding to support youth training and safety education in the transport sector.
The meeting concluded with the Committee conducting an inspection visit to the NTSA motor vehicles inspection unit on Likoni Road, in the Industrial Area.
