"The authority is exploring the introduction of automated theory tests so as to standardise driver testing in Kenya. The automation of the process will ensure the driver tests are efficient and effective hence improving the quality of testing as a result of reduced human interaction. 

"To achieve this, the Authority seeks to engage a consultant to guide the automation journey, formulate modern approaches to driver competency testing with the aim of a common set of standards in theory testing and developing an efficient, practical testing methodology that can be administered to all drivers," read the statement in part.

The new project is a partnership between NTSA and the European Union under the Usalama Barabarani programme.

In the statement, the authority admitted that most of the accidents recorded in Kenya and across the world were attributed to poor driving.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), an average of 2.5 million people die annually through
road traffic crashes while ten times this number end up maimed worldwide. In Kenya, over 3,000 individuals perish as a result of road crashes.

Studies have also found that over 85 per cent of road accidents are caused by human behavior.

In January 2022, the NTSA reported that 60 people were fatally injured in road accidents since the beginning of the year.  

According to a recent report by the authority, Outering Road was the most dangerous roadway in Nairobi with the recorded number of fatal accidents standing at 44. 

Waiyaki Way followed with 38 fatalities in 2021 while Mombasa Road and Northern Bypass were joint third with 29 accident cases each

The announcement comes a day after an exposé by the BBC claimed that the country had a flawed system of issuing driving licenses.

An undercover journalist at the global broadcaster exposed a syndicate that saw unqualified drivers get licenses making the roads unsafe. By Derrick Okumbasu, Kenyans.co.ke