National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) Director General Francis Meja has said the issue of traffic corruption must be dealt with by both PSV operators and law enforcers. Speaking at a meeting that brought together government representatives and officials of PSV saccos, Meja stated that it takes two to indulge in corruption, and the government shouldn’t be the only party to shoulder the blame. “I don’t think this country will come to a halt if everybody said today we aren’t going to give a bribe, will the police arrest everyone?” he posed.
He said as much as the police need to improve on the roads, PSVs haven’t been doing the right thing. “The resolve must be on both sides, law enforcers must resolve to deal with the issues of corruption but the PSV operators also have a very important role to play…” he said. The NTSA Director-General said the new traffic laws will take effect on Monday next week, 12th November and that all PSVs must comply with the new rules. “There are vehicles which don’t have insurance..that’s like choking yourself because when an accident occurs the owner of the vehicle will take responsibility to pay all those who’ve been injured. Another issue is that lately, matatus are overloading, and using what you call ‘sambazas’…things like that will be closely scrutinized starting next Monday,” he affirmed.