Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) has set May 2017 as the deadline for all Passenger Service Vehicles (PSV) to adhere to new body construction standards.
Matatus that fail to adhere to the standard, referred to as KS372:2014, will not be allowed to operate on the roads.
The criteria outlined in the new standard include no luggage racks on the roofs of PSVs, 400mm passenger seats and vehicles must be fitted with safety belts and safety equipment such as fire extinguishers and first aid kits.
SAFETY MEASURE
National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) said it is adopting the new standard to ensure uniformity of all passenger vehicles and as a safety measure on the roads.
NTSA, In a paid advertisement in local dailies, said all new and second-hand passenger service vehicles are required to comply with the standard from 22nd May, 2017 before pre-registration inspection.
All body builders of passenger vehicles will also be required to comply with the standard.
Imported vehicles will be inspected by Kebs at Mombasa port to check on adherence to the standard.
KS372 was developed in 2014 by Kebs and gazzetted in 2014.
