Matiang’i Demands Suspension of Sh2,000 Annual Vehicle Inspection Fee
Jubilee Party deputy leader and presidential hopeful Fred Matiang’i has called for the immediate suspension of the government’s proposed mandatory annual vehicle inspection exercise that would require motorists to pay Sh2,000 per vehicle.
Speaking through a statement released on Sunday, Matiang’i argued that the proposed policy is being rushed without adequate public participation and transparency, warning that it could become another financial burden for already struggling Kenyans.
The former Interior Cabinet Secretary emphasized that while road safety remains an important national priority, any policy introduced by the government must be supported by evidence and developed through a transparent process involving the public.
“Public policy must be evidence-based, proportionate, transparent and sensitive to the economic realities facing citizens. The proposed inspection regime fails that test,” Matiang’i stated.
Concerns Over Rising Cost of Living
According to Matiang’i, Kenyans are already facing significant financial pressure due to rising fuel prices, increased taxation, expensive vehicle spare parts, higher insurance premiums, parking fees and licensing charges.
He argued that adding a mandatory Sh2,000 annual inspection fee would place additional strain on households and businesses that are already grappling with the high cost of living.
“Road safety is essential. Excessive financial extraction is not,” he said.
The Jubilee deputy leader maintained that the government should not introduce new charges without first demonstrating why they are necessary and how they will directly benefit citizens.
Calls for Public Participation
Matiang’i insisted that the policy should be subjected to extensive public consultation before implementation.
He argued that public participation is not merely a procedural requirement but a constitutional obligation that ensures policies reflect the needs and concerns of citizens.
“We therefore call upon the Government to immediately suspend the implementation of this directive and subject it to a comprehensive public review,” he said.
He further argued that citizens should not be treated as sources of revenue whenever new government policies are introduced.
Jubilee Wants Parliamentary Scrutiny
The Jubilee Party is now pushing Parliament to urgently scrutinize the proposed inspection programme and compel the National Transport and Safety Authority to table all supporting evidence before implementation begins.
According to Matiang’i, lawmakers should ensure that the policy is justified through credible data and a clear cost-benefit analysis.
He also urged Kenyans to reject the proposal in its current form until the government provides adequate explanations regarding its necessity and expected impact.
“We call upon all Kenyans to reject this policy in its current form and to demand a transparent, evidence-based and affordable road safety framework that protects both lives and livelihoods,” he said.
Questions NTSA Must Answer
Matiang’i challenged NTSA to provide answers to several key concerns raised by motorists and stakeholders.
Among the issues he wants clarified are:
- The total number of private vehicles that will be affected by the annual inspections.
- The amount of revenue the government expects to collect from the exercise every year.
- Evidence showing that annual inspections for vehicles older than four years will significantly reduce road accidents.
- The proportion of accidents caused by mechanical defects compared to human error, speeding, poor road design and traffic congestion.
- Whether NTSA has sufficient inspection capacity to efficiently handle millions of vehicles without causing delays.
- The safeguards that will prevent corruption, rent-seeking and harassment of motorists during inspections.
Matiang’i warned that failure to address these concerns could undermine public confidence in the programme.
Vehicle Condition Is Only One Part of Road Safety
The Jubilee deputy leader acknowledged that vehicle condition plays a role in road safety but argued that it represents only one aspect of a much broader challenge.
He noted that many road accidents in Kenya are linked to reckless driving, speeding, drunk driving, poor road infrastructure and weak enforcement of traffic regulations.
According to Matiang’i, addressing these issues would have a greater impact on reducing fatalities and injuries on Kenyan roads than focusing solely on vehicle inspections.
“If the government is genuinely committed to saving lives, it must address the major causes of road accidents comprehensively,” he stated.
Debate Likely to Intensify
The government’s proposal to introduce mandatory annual inspections for private vehicles older than four years has sparked intense debate among motorists, transport stakeholders and political leaders.
Supporters argue that regular inspections will remove unroadworthy vehicles from Kenyan roads and improve safety standards.
Critics, however, believe the exercise could become another revenue collection mechanism that places additional pressure on citizens already struggling with economic challenges.
With political leaders such as Matiang’i now openly opposing the proposal, pressure is expected to mount on the government and NTSA to provide further clarification before the policy is rolled out nationwide.