NTSA launches investigations on issuance of fake driving licenses

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has initiated a probe on the issuance of fake driving licenses following a recent exposé by British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).

The Monday investigative report dubbed ‘Kenya’s killer road’ revealed how some driving schools colluded with the authority’s officers to hand licenses to uncertified drivers and how vehicle owners received inspection certificates despite having unroadworthy vehicles.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Authority through Vehicle Inspection Director Gerald Wangai, said it was well aware of the report and investigations into the case are underway.

“We have a department headed by DCI at the NTSA and we have just taken over on that and we are going to investigate and whoever is found culpable we are going to take stern action which includes a note minimum dismissal," said Wangai.

He added: "If it is a question that becomes criminal, we will take that route.” 

Wangai further noted that the authority was committed to ensuring inspection systems are automated in a bid to make them more efficient and tamper-proof.

NTSA similarly stated that it will undertake re-validation of driving schools to ensure compliance to the status standards of the authority.

In the said investigative piece, reporters posing as genuine clients are seen receiving genuine licenses despite skipping the three-week driving school programme said to cost about Ksh.15,000.

In yet another instance, they managed to get a road unworthy 14 seater matatu to pass inspection process successfully at a cost of Ksh 10,000.