A team of detectives is investigating claims that some National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) inspectors have been colluding with instructors from Rocky and Petanns driving schools to issue untrained Kenyans with driving licences.
The BBC Africa Eye journalists infiltrated two driving schools in the Country (Rocky and Petanns), intending to find out if they could get a driving licence without undergoing lessons or a test. Posing as a taxi driver, one of the investigators went to the Rocky driving school and met an attendant only known as Hassan. The investigator had gathered that Hassan could help him get a driving licence at a fee.
As is the procedure, Hassan began by explaining that the driving school offered a three-week-course. However, the investigator insisted he did not have the time and needed the licence as soon as possible. It is here that Hassan gave him an alternative that would not require him to take the driving lessons or the test. The only prerequisite was a fee of Sh14,000.
Hassan made arrangements with an NTSA official only identified as Jeremiah and the reporter was issued with the smart DL at the NTSA headquarters. When reached for comment, Rocky Driving School said it was a strong advocate for road safety and ensures all students are fully trained and pass tests on merit.
A similar situation was witnessed at Petanns Driving School where another investigating reporter met an attendant only named as Silas and asked the quickest way to get a driving license. For Sh15,500, Silas said the investigator would not have to go through the process and would only collect the license once it was ready. Shortly after a month, Silas reached out to the investigator with a new driving license.
Reached for comment, both managements of Rocky and Pettans denied engaging in fraudulent dealings with NTSA, further distancing themselves from the agents’ actions.Petanns said the agent identified as Silas was not an authorized member of their staff, insisting that the school has unauthorized staff and NTSA accredited trainers that handle students.
Gerald Wangai, the NTSA director for motor vehicle inspection and safety audit, told journalists that action would be taken against those found complicit in the probe.
“Stern action will be taken against whoever will be found culpable including … dismissal. If this becomes a criminal matter then it shall take that route,” he said.
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