News – The president of Kenya has assented the Traffic Amendment Bill 2012 .
The following is a quick overview of some of the major points in the Bill courtesy of East African Center For Law & Justice.
➢ The Administrative Unit of the Kenya Police Service known as the Traffic Department would be abolished
➢ Ownership of vehicle registration plates would be given to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).
➢ In the event that the ownership of a vehicle changes, the registration plates are to be surrendered to the registrar of motor vehicles first. Failure to do so would attract a fine not exceeding KES 30 000, and a subsequent KES 10 000 for every month the law is not observed.
➢ Driver’s licence holders would have to undergo eye tests every three years. They would need to present a medical practitioner’s report in order to renew their licence. People failing to adhere to this requirement would be disqualified from holding a licence for three years.
➢ Driving under the influence would attract a penalty of 10 years in jail or a minimum of KES 500 000 fine, or both.
➢ Overlapping, driving on pavements and pedestrian walkways or using petrol stations to avoid traffic would get you a three month prison term or a fine of KES 30 000, or both.
➢ The licence of a person found guilty of exceeding speed limits would be invalid for not less than 3 years if the limit is exceeded by up to 10 KPH or if the offense is repeated more than three times.
➢ The Inspector General of Police would designate areas where Police will be required to erect roadblocks.
➢ There will be road signs showing the prescribed speed limits.
➢ PSV drivers and conductors would be required to wear badges and uniforms. In addition, the PSV drivers would be required to do a compulsory competence test every two years.
➢ Motorcycles would have to be insured against third party risks and the riders would be compelled to wear helmets and reflector jackets. Penalties for contravening this law would attract a KES 10 000 fine or a one-year jail term.
What do you think will be the impact of these new laws ?
