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Mobile app used to rein in rogue drivers in Kenya

Mobile app used to rein in rogue drivers in Kenya

By Road Safety Hub reporter

Kenya’s transport and road safety agency has launched a mobile app to rein in rogue drivers.

The app, available for download on mobile devises for free, will enable users report traffic offenders.

The app also allows the public to verify registration of public service vehicles to ensure they board vehicles that have licenses to operate.

Users travelling long distances and especially at night can also check whether the vehicle they are boarding has been licensed for night travel.

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) introduced strict rules for vehicles ferrying passengers at night to curb traffic crashes. Among the requirements are two drivers to be employed to ensure one does not suffer fatigue that eventually causes crashes.

NTSA Deputy Director of Communications Dido Guyatu said the app empowers citizens to take road safety into their own hands as they are able to report incidences real time.

She said once information is sent by the user via the app, officers at the agency’s control room contact those on the roads to deal with the offenders. The actions include stopping and arrest of offenders or summoning them since the agency has a database of all registered motor vehicles.

She said the agency is banking on use of the technology to not only restore sanity on the roads but also avail other services to citizens.

Through the app, users can also check the inspection status of motor vehicles, verify driving license, check road service licenses and public service vehicle sacco license.