By KPC Reporter
Possible Jubilee Party presidential flag bearer Dr Fred Matiang’i has called for the immediate suspension of the government’s proposed mandatory annual vehicle inspection programme.
Dr Matiang’i described the new charges as unfair and insensitive to struggling Kenyans.
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In a statement, the Jubilee Party Deputy Leader criticised a directive by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) requiring private vehicles older than four years to undergo annual inspections at a cost of KSh2,000 beginning July 1.
Motorcycles will also be subject to compulsory inspections under the new regime.
Dr Matiang’i said while road safety remains an important national objective, the proposed inspection programme places an additional financial burden on motorists and businesses already grappling with a high cost of living.
“Every Kenyan wants safer roads, fewer accidents and vehicles that meet acceptable safety standards. However, public policy must be evidence-based, proportionate, transparent and sensitive to the economic realities facing citizens,” he said.
According to Dr Matiang’i, Kenyans are already struggling with high fuel prices, multiple taxes and levies, rising insurance premiums, expensive spare parts, parking charges and licensing fees.
“Introducing another compulsory annual payment without demonstrating its necessity places yet another financial burden on households and businesses that are already under immense pressure,” he said.
The former Interior Cabinet Secretary urged the government to suspend implementation of the directive and subject it to comprehensive public review before it takes effect.
He questioned the basis of the policy and demanded greater transparency from NTSA and the government.
Among the issues he raised were the number of vehicles expected to be affected, the amount of revenue the government expects to collect annually and whether there is sufficient evidence showing that annual inspections for vehicles older than four years would significantly reduce road accidents.
Dr Matiang’i also questioned whether NTSA has adequate inspection capacity to efficiently handle millions of motorists without causing delays or creating opportunities for corruption.
“What safeguards have been put in place to ensure that this programme does not become another avenue for rent-seeking and harassment of motorists?” he asked.
The Jubilee Party deputy leader argued that road safety should not be reduced to the collection of inspection fees, saying authorities should focus on addressing major causes of accidents, including reckless driving, speeding, drunk driving, poor road design, inadequate road maintenance and weak enforcement of traffic laws.
He further called on Parliament to scrutinise the policy and require NTSA to table all supporting evidence before implementation proceeds.
“Citizens should never be treated merely as sources of revenue,” Matiang’i said.
He added that economic recovery would not be achieved through additional charges on citizens but through job creation, fighting corruption, improving public services and rebuilding trust between the public and the State.
Dr Matiang’i said Jubilee Party stands with motorists, transport operators, small businesses and families opposed to the policy in its current form, urging Kenyans to demand what he described as a transparent, evidence-based and affordable road safety framework.
“Road safety is essential. Excessive financial extraction is not,” he said.
