The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has commenced plans to procure six sets of driver-testing simulation equipment.
In a tender notice dated March 26, NTSA revealed that the technology will be installed at the driver testing centre in Thika.
NTSA added that the procurement was being done after the World Bank funnelled funds towards this purpose.
"The Government of Kenya has received financing from the World Bank in the form of a credit towards the cost of the Horn of Africa Gateway Project and intends to apply part of the proceeds toward payments under the contract for Supply, Delivery, Installation, Commissioning and Testing of Six (6) Driver Testing Simulation Equipment at Thika. For this contract, the Borrower shall process the payments using the Direct Payment disbursement method, as defined in the World Bank's Disbursement Guidelines for Investment Project Financing.
"The National Transport and Safety Authority is a State Corporation under the Ministry of Roads and Transport, serves as the implementing Agent for the project and now invites sealed bids from eligible bidders for Supply, Delivery, Installation, commissioning and Testing of six (6) Driver Testing Simulation Equipment at Thika," read the document in part.
Simulation equipment is an immersive technology where drivers are placed behind the wheel of a virtual automobile for rigorous training where real life scenarios are replicated to improve safety.
Using the technology, instructors can create over 500 scenarios on the virtual road while the student is driving.
This technology is used to gauge how drivers react to intense moments on the road, a move that can help motorists better their skills. The technology is also credited for helping motorists avoid accidents.
Such technology has also been adopted for driver testing in countries like Singapore and the Netherlands.
Notably, NTSA highlighted that it would adopt technology for driver testing and to eliminate human interaction in the process.
"The role of technology in road safety has been established on many occasions and circumstances. The testing of drivers before licensing is very important to ensure that qualified drivers are released to the market.
"The use of technology by automating driver testing will ensure standardised delivery of tests and reduce/eliminate the human component on the part of the examiner. Automation of driver testing will be undertaken progressively starting with the theory testing followed by practical testing," read the draft National Road Safety Action Plan 2023-2027.
