Panic as State revokes licences of speed limiters

The Government has barred about ten companies from fitting speed limiters and recorders on the public service vehicles, citing poor performance on the gadgets already in the market. A new set of conditions to be met by the companies have been issued, within 90 days, effective from yesterday (Friday) if they are to have their permits afresh.

The development is likely to rub the transport sector players the wrong way given the frosty manner the two have operated in the past. In addition, it is likely to see the withdrawal of many vehicles from the road. This might lead to a transport crisis.

Comprehensive study

In a statement appearing in the local dailies yesterday, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and Kenya Bureau of Standards, four companies had their licences revoked. The decision follows a comprehensive study by the three arms of  government, which unearthed non-compliance on the set standards and a below 50 per cent performance.

Frotcom EA Ltd, Cartrack Kenya Ltd, Mbetsa Innovations Ltd and Emco Diesel Services have their permits revoked. Firms whose permits were suspended include Ekas technologies, Dalcom Enterprises, Kinetic Resources Ltd, Pinnacle Systems Ltd, Safe Rider Management Systems.

Others include Jendie Automobiles Ltd, Mock Electricals and Electronics, Eureka Technical Services Ltd, Power Systems Ltd, and Power Governors (K) Ltd. On revocation, the public has been warned against undertaking any new installations of the speed limiters in the motor vehicles.

 “Owners of vehicles fitted with the said speed limiters and recorders are required to contact their supplier(s) for remedial action, besides presenting the vehicles to Motor Vehicle Inspection Centres for re-certification.” warned the three agencies in a statement.

Suspended firms have 90 days to recall all vehicles fitted with the speed limiter and recorder for repair and re-certification. The suspended suppliers have to establish fitting centres and appoint agents to manage the recall process, disclose the appointed centres to the NTSA and comply with the Motor Vehicle Garages for Repair and Service-Code of Practice.

Besides, the suppliers have been advised to stop with immediate effect all new fittings of speed limiters and recorders in motor vehicles for the period the suspension will be in force. “Any failure to meet these suspension conditions within 90 days will lead to revocation of the suspended approvals,” the statement warned.