A major showdown is set to be witnessed on the roads from Monday, November 12 as the government begins a countrywide crackdown on traffic violation.
The battle lines have already been drawn. The Federation of Public Transport Operators has declared their members will pull their vehicles off the roads in protest against the traffic guidelines they are required to comply with.
On the other hand, the government maintains there is no turning back in the quest to restore sanity on the roads. It will be the return of the “Michuki rules”, which appear to have been abandoned, causing the country to slide back to the rogue days on the roads.
“Effective Monday, 12th November 2018, any PSV vehicle, drivers, SACCOs/Transport companies, passengers and other relevant parties that fail to comply with the provisions of the NTSA Act and the Traffic Act will be firmly dealt with in accordance with the law,” said the government in a statement.
As commuters brace themselves for a fresh round of delays and disruptions, security authorities will be out to ensure compliance to the over 30 regulations targeting matatus, private motorists and passengers.
“Some people might think we are joking or will relent after a while. We will stay the course until we restore sanity on the roads,” said Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet.
Below are some of the rules and fines that will be imposed;
Driving vehicles that does have identification plates affixed or if they have been placed incorrectly will be fined Ksh 10,000.
Driving on or through a pedestrian walkway or pavement –Ksh. 5,000
Causing obstruction on the road with your vehicle in a manner that inconveniences other motorists or prevents flow of traffic – Ksh.10,000
Failure of a driver to obey traffic signs – Ksh.3,000
Failure of a driver to stop when asked to do so by a police officer in uniform – Ksh.5,000
Driving without a valid driving licence that corresponds to the class of the vehicle being driven – Ksh.7,000
Failure to renew a driving licence -Ksh.1,000
Failure to produce a driving licence on demand – Ksh.1,000
Driving while using a mobile phone – Ksh.2,000
Learner failing to exhibit ‘L’ plates on front and rear of the vehicle – Ksh.1,000
Failure of a vehicle to carry lifesavers – Ksh.2,000
Failure to display lifesavers in the case where any part of the vehicle remains on the road in a position to obstruct or cause obstruction – Ksh.3,000
Failure of vehicle to have seat belts – Ksh.10,000 for every seat that doesn’t have a seat belt or if the the seat belts are not of the proper standard.
Driving a public service vehicle while being unqualified -Ksh.7,000
The driver of the public service vehicle who lets an unauthorized person drive – Ksh.5,000
An unlicensed individual acting as the conductor or driver of the PSV – Ksh.5,000 PSV picking and dropping passengers at areas that are not the designated bus stops – Ksh.1,000
Failure to fit prescribed speed governors in vehicles – Ksh.10,000
Travelling with a part of the body outside a moving vehicle – Ksh.1,000
Touting – Ksh.3,000
Motorcycle passenger riding without protective gear – Ksh.1,000
Rider of a motorcycle carrying more than one passenger – Ksh.1,000
Failure to keep seat belts in a clean and wearable condition – Ksh.500
For speeding, the fines are as follows:
Exceeding the speed limit as prescribed to the class of the vehicle by;
1-5 kph: Ksh. 500
6-10 kph: Ksh. 3,000
11-15 kph: Ksh. 6,000
16-20 kph: Ksh. 10,000
6-10 kph: Ksh. 3,000
11-15 kph: Ksh. 6,000
16-20 kph: Ksh. 10,000
Exceeding the speed limit shown on a traffic sign by;
1-5 kph: Ksh.500
6-10 kph: Ksh.3,000
11-15 kph: Ksh.6,000
16-20 kph: Ksh.10,000.
6-10 kph: Ksh.3,000
11-15 kph: Ksh.6,000
16-20 kph: Ksh.10,000.
These rules not only apply to motorists but also passengers. For instance; motorcycle passengers riding without protective gear will face a fine of Ksh.1,000 and failure to wear a seat-belt while a vehicle is in motion will attract a fine of Ksh.500.