Hundreds of driving schools risk being shut down following the National Transport and Safety Authority’s move to issue new licenses.
The authority has directed more than 500 driving schools to apply for licenses afresh in a move that is set to deal with rogue operators.
The new operating license will only be issued to those who comply with NTSA’s new rules.
The schools that do not meet NTSA’s infrastructure and staff requirements will have to be shut down.
Kenya Driving Schools Association (KDSA) has however moved to court to bar NTSA from implementing the new rules for the second time in five years.
In the petition before the court, KDSA argues that their 700 paid members will be closed if the new rules are enforced.
The new rules state that before a driving school is issued with a new operating license, an NTSA official should visit the school and inspect the school to ensure that it meets the infrastructure and staff requirements.
The driving schools are required to have waiting areas, management offices, theory classrooms with a town model board and a capacity to hold at least four students that have to be seated at least one square metre apart, washrooms and road sign posters approved by the NTSA.
Tutors must have attained a D- as in their Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) and must have a certificate in Computer studies or its equivalent.
Furthermore, the driving schools are required to have a minimum of two instructors and must also submit annual reports to the NTSA by the end of January each year.
The new rules by NTSA were released to the public on March 10, 2020, through a gazette notice.
A section of Kenyans however had something to say about the issue.
“KDSA should not resist changes that should improve efficiency and quality of drivers. Some schools you visit look like garages and in despicable conditions despite them recruiting many drivers . They should comply so as to set good standards as well as discipline among trained drivers,” Ricardo Ndirangu said on Facebook.
While Max Khamy questioned, “Why not focus all this energy to tame the boda boda guys who know nothing about road signage and traffic rules?”
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