Why NTSA Demands Control of Sh3bn Annual Budget

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has requested parliamentary approval to retain Sh3 billion generated annually through motor vehicle inspection fees.

Authority officials presented the proposal before lawmakers, arguing that direct access to these funds remains vital for sustaining nationwide road safety programmes and technical operations.

Under current financial management frameworks, revenue collected by government agencies must be remitted to the National Exchequer before disbursement back to individual departments.

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) stated that this centralized remittance process creates operational delays, which hamper the implementation of critical safety interventions across Kenya's transport network.

Members of the parliamentary committee reviewed the submission, examining how the proposed retention would impact both agency operations and broader fiscal oversight.

NTSA representatives emphasized that dedicated funding would directly support public education campaigns, automated speed enforcement installations, and regular inspection facility upgrades across the country.

Kenya continues to face significant challenges regarding road safety, with official statistics showing thousands of casualties reported on public highways each year.

Transportation experts and infrastructure stakeholders have frequently called for consistent financial allocation toward enforcement technologies, improved road signage, and continuous public awareness initiatives.

The agency noted that vehicle inspection services serve as a primary revenue stream, generated as motorists seek mandatory compliance certifications.

Retaining these resources at the source would allow the authority to plan long-term safety campaigns without relying entirely on exchequer releases.

Parliamentary deliberations on the matter remain ongoing, as lawmakers weigh the agency's operational demands against established public finance management regulations.

A final decision will determine whether the authority receives special dispensation to manage its revenue directly for road safety development.