The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has asked the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure to support its bid to retain Sh3 billion in own-source revenue to finance road safety programmes.
NTSA Director General Nahashon Kodhiwa made the appeal during a meeting with the committee, chaired by Hon. George Kariuki, at the authority’s headquarters in Nairobi.
Kodhiwa said NTSA generates between Sh9 billion and Sh10 billion annually in own-source revenue but has limited access to the funds, making it difficult for the authority to fully execute its statutory mandate.
“Hon. Members, NTSA needs to be well facilitated to handle the sector. We generate between Sh9 and Sh10 billion annually of own-source revenue; however, we access a very small percentage of this money, making it difficult for us to do what is required by law,” Kodhiwa said.
He said retaining Sh3 billion would allow NTSA to strengthen enforcement, public education and data management systems aimed at reducing road fatalities.
“The Ksh 3 billion we are seeking to retain will go directly into interventions that save lives. This includes strengthening compliance checks, rolling out digital number plates, enhancing the TIMS system, and expanding road safety campaigns,” he added.
Kariuki said the committee would support NTSA’s request, arguing that the authority needed adequate financial resources to address the rising number of road deaths.
“I don’t see a reason why all your resources should be moved to the Treasury and leave you struggling; as a Committee, we support your request because it will save lives,” Kariuki said.
The committee members also urged NTSA to strengthen collaboration with other road agencies, including the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) and the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), to identify and address areas requiring road safety improvements.
Hon. Samuel Arama and Hon. Zaheer Jhanda called for greater coordination among the agencies to ensure road infrastructure challenges contributing to accidents are addressed.
However, the committee cautioned NTSA against imposing speed limits on highways, warning that the move could worsen traffic congestion.
The lawmakers also raised concerns over operations in the boda boda and matatu sectors, urging NTSA to streamline the two sectors to improve safety while protecting employment opportunities.
They called for clear policies and increased NTSA presence across the country to strengthen enforcement and improve compliance with road safety regulations.
The meeting concluded with a committee inspection visit to the NTSA motor vehicle inspection unit along Likoni Road in Nairobi’s Industrial Area.
Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
