Kenya’s National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has taken tough action against road safety violations, suspending the licences of 62 public service vehicle (PSV) drivers after a wide-ranging compliance review exposed multiple breaches within several major transport companies.
In a detailed statement issued on Tuesday, December 9, the Authority said the affected drivers will undergo mandatory retesting before they can be allowed back on the road. NTSA emphasized that this step is necessary to guarantee that every driver entrusted with public transport meets the required competency and safety standards.
Why the Suspensions Were Issued
According to NTSA, the decision followed an in-depth assessment of seven matatu and bus companies, where investigators uncovered numerous violations, including unsafe driving practices and failure to follow established transport regulations.
Mandatory Driver Retesting
The suspended drivers must now go through a retesting and evaluation programme, which will assess:
- Their understanding of traffic laws
- Defensive driving skills
- Road safety awareness
- Professional conduct expected of PSV operators
NTSA noted that retesting is part of its proactive approach to preventing accidents, especially as road usage increases during the busy December festive period.
Operators Ordered to Conduct Safety Training
Besides suspending individual drivers, NTSA has directed the affected transport companies to:
- Conduct road safety sensitization and training for all their drivers
- Present selected vehicles for a mechanical inspection
- Strengthen internal safety supervision
The Authority stressed that operator-level compliance is just as important as driver behaviour when it comes to keeping the roads safe.
More Operators Under Review
NTSA also revealed that several more public transport companies remain under examination, indicating that the latest suspensions are only part of broader nationwide enforcement efforts.
Commitment to Safer Roads
The Authority continues to urge PSV companies, drivers, and passengers to uphold the highest safety standards. NTSA says its current operations are aimed at reducing preventable crashes and ensuring that the PSV sector operates responsibly and professionally.
