The Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association (LoDDCA) has protested the alleged removal of the Class “CD” endorsement from renewed driving licences, warning that the move could expose truck drivers to arrests, detention and loss of income.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

The Class CD licence endorsement authorises drivers to operate heavy commercial vehicles, including trucks and trailers, and is particularly important for those transporting cargo such as petroleum products.

The association, in a statement issued on Friday, said the change is affecting drivers who previously held the CD endorsement and continue to operate heavy commercial vehicles.

LoDDCA said the removal has created uncertainty for drivers, particularly those who hold valid professional certifications required to transport hazardous cargo.

📌 What You Need to Know

The association expressed fear that some affected drivers could face enforcement disputes within Kenya and at international borders if their renewed licences no longer show the endorsement they previously held.

“Drivers must not be made to suffer arrests, detention, loss of income or disruption of their livelihoods because of unresolved regulatory changes or gaps between government agencies,” LoDDCA said.

The association is now seeking urgent engagement with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) and other relevant agencies to establish the legal and operational implications of the change.

At the same time, the lobby advised drivers renewing their licences to carefully check whether the CD endorsement appears on their new documents and retain copies or photographs of previous licences showing the endorsement.

Petroleum tanker drivers have also been urged to ensure their EPRA Petroleum Road Tanker Driver certificates remain valid and to carry the certification whenever transporting petroleum products.

LoDDCA said it was protesting the change because drivers should not be penalised for regulatory changes that have not been clearly communicated or supported by a transition framework.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke