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The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) on Thursday announced it had caught up with a driver who was captured texting while driving a matatu at a speed of 100 kilometres per hour.
NTSA was able to identify the driver after the netizen who took the photo gave details of the vehicle, which plies the Karatina- Nairobi route, and which belongs to to 2NK sacco.
The government authority said it had instituted several disciplinary measures against the affected driver and against his employer - 2NK sacco.
Among the actions taken is a requirement for the driver to be fired from 2NK, his PSV and general driving licenses have also been revoked.
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The incident is the latest proof of the power of social media in empowering citizens to work with government authorities to enhance rule of law.
Here is NTSA's Full statement:
The Sacco officials and the driver were summoned and appear before a multi-agency team comprising of officers from NTSA and the National Police Service to address the complaint received. Following the meeting, the following actions have been taken;
1. The Driver’s driving licence has been suspended
2. PSV licence ( Class A endorsement ) has been revoked and PSV badge withdrawn
3. The driver to be retested to access his competencies
4. 2NK Sacco to remove the driver from their portal
5. 2NK Sacco to take responsibility and organize a road safety sensitization for the Sacco management, all its drivers and conductors within 7 days.
We urge members of the public to continue supporting the Authority in weeding out rogue drivers in order to keep our roads safe. The action of this driver put the lives of many innocent passengers at risk and we must all work to speak up about such vices. The use of mobile phones is a distraction. It takes the driver’s eyes off the road, with one hand on the wheel it is harder to navigate bends and respond to hazards.
As an Authority, we are committed to taking action against any driver violating traffic rules and we encourage members of the public to continue reporting."