The National Transport and Safety Authority has warned members of the public against boarding the now commonly used private vehicles passengers use to travel to and from Nairobi and other destinations.
The NTSA said the small vehicles are not authorised to travel for a long distance and faulted them for flaunting a number of traffic regulations especially when it comes to licensing and insurance cover.
Mathew Munyau, NTSA region director of road safety indicated that last year in March the legal notice 23 of 2014 came into effect on April 1 setting the legal framework of regulating public service operation in the country.
He said some have boots and spaces, which are used to ferry passengers. Many of these vehicles have in the recent past been preferred by many travellers. Some of them are Noah, Voxy and Toyota wish brands which are now even allowed to take up passengers at various bus terminals.
"All public service operators who intend to do long distance travels, must follow these rules set out to promote safety and improve service delivery," said Munyau.
He said most of these are light and small vehicles that are not licensed for such purposes which is covering more than 60 Kilometres.
Munyau said the vehicles should be having road service licence from NTSA and must have been insured for all the passengers.
"They need to have speed limiter and must have passed through motor vehicle inspection, which these vehicles lack," said Munyau.
He accused the vehicle owners have, however, obtained licenses and public service insurance either posing as tours and travel or taxis.
Munyau added that the drivers may not be competent enough to handle long distance travels, warning the operators trying to enter into public service illegally the motor vehicle industry of dire consequences.
On first conviction, those who operate public service vehicles illegally will attract Sh100,000, and Sh200,000 for any subsequent charges.