Kenya’s National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has issued a fresh speed governor tampering warning, cautioning public service vehicle (PSV) operators and commercial drivers against disabling or interfering with speed limiters during the busy festive travel season.
In a public notice, NTSA reiterated that speed limiters, also known as speed governors, are mandatory safety devices required by law on all PSVs and commercial vehicles. These devices are designed to curb overspeeding, which remains one of the leading causes of fatal road crashes in the country.
According to the authority, enforcement operations conducted in recent weeks have revealed a worrying rise in cases where speed limiters have been tampered with or completely disabled. NTSA says this trend poses a serious risk to passengers, pedestrians, and other road users, especially at a time when traffic volumes spike as Kenyans travel for the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Festive season pressure driving risky behaviour
The warning comes at a time when long-distance travel typically surges across major highways, with buses, matatus, and shuttle services under pressure to complete more trips in a single day. During this period, some drivers and vehicle owners may be tempted to interfere with speed governors in order to cut travel times, squeeze in extra routes, and maximize earnings.
NTSA, however, has made it clear that such actions are illegal and undermine ongoing road safety efforts. The authority emphasized that tampering with speed limiters not only increases the likelihood of crashes but also exposes operators to serious legal consequences, including vehicle impoundment, fines, and possible suspension of operating licenses.
Speed limiters remain a legal requirement
Speed governors are a core part of Kenya’s road safety regulations, particularly for PSVs and commercial vehicles. NTSA maintains that these devices play a critical role in reducing high-speed crashes, which often result in severe injuries or loss of life.
The authority has warned that enforcement will continue throughout the festive period, with targeted inspections aimed at identifying vehicles operating with faulty, disabled, or manipulated speed limiters. PSV owners and operators are therefore being urged to ensure their vehicles are fully compliant before hitting the road.
NTSA urges responsibility from operators and drivers
As part of its speed governor tampering warning, NTSA called on drivers, vehicle owners, and fleet operators to prioritize safety over profit, especially during a season when roads are crowded with families, holiday travelers, and pedestrians.
NTSA also reminded passengers to remain vigilant and report cases of reckless driving or suspected speed limiter tampering, reinforcing the idea that road safety is a shared responsibility.
With festive travel expected to remain high over the coming days, disabling speed governors may seem like a shortcut to faster trips. But it comes at the cost of lives, livelihoods, and legal consequences.
