The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has backed a proposed law to regulate fares charged by all public service vehicles, saying it would protect commuters from arbitrary fare hikes.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

Speaking on Friday, August 7, NTSA Assistant Director for Road Safety Samuel Musumba said the bill would address the frequent complaints from passengers who are forced to pay inflated fares during peak seasons.

"The bill allowing us to regulate fares is a good thing because most of the time you find that many passengers or commuters complain, especially about paying high fares," said Musumba.

"These things are always there, especially when many people are travelling, for instance in December, Easter or even January. During these periods, transport operators hike fares," he added.

📌 What You Need to Know

He noted that operators should not take advantage of increased demand to exploit commuters through excessive fare increases.

"It is not supposed to be like this where people complain about high fares during certain periods. Operators should not take advantage of such incidents. I hope that, if approved, it will help," Musumba stated.

Musumba, however, stressed that any fare regulation framework should also consider the realities facing transport operators, including fluctuations in fuel prices and other operating expenses.

"I hope they will also consider the transport costs and fuel prices. All these should also be considered before the bill's approval. Let us wait and see," he said.

His remarks come after the National Assembly debated the National Transport and Safety Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2023 during its Second Reading on July 29, 2026.

The Bill seeks to give NTSA powers to approve and regulate fares charged by PSVs, ending the current system where operators are free to adjust fares without government oversight.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke