The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has directed motorcycle assemblers in Kenya to begin issuing standard-compliant helmets with every new bike sold, in efforts to tackle rising deaths and injuries among riders and pillion passengers.

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NTSA Director General Nashon Kondiwa on Tuesday, September 8, said the move will help reduce the rising rates of accidents, insisting that they must take a much more active role in preventing the rising death toll.

According to Kondiwa, standard helmets have the potential to reduce fatalities and injuries among riders and pillion passengers.

"The role of motorcycle assemblers in supporting road safety awareness programmes and in issuing standard helmets, measures that have the potential to reduce fatalities and injuries among riders and pillion passengers," NTSA said in a statement after meeting with the Motorcycle Assemblers Association of Kenya (MAAK).

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At the same time, the Director General also urged the assemblers to work more closely with NTSA to reduce deaths and injuries involving motorcycles.

The call comes as motorcycle users continue to account for a significant share of road fatalities in Kenya.

Data reported in December showed that 1,148 motorcyclists and 432 pillion passengers died in road crashes in 2025, highlighting the risks associated with boda boda transport.

The authority said improving road safety would require sustained cooperation between the regulator and motorcycle industry rather than relying solely on enforcement after riders are already on the road.

At the same time, NTSA has directed school administrators and transporters to ensure their vehicles have a valid inspection certificate,  Road Service Licence (RSL)  and insurance.

"All school administrators and transporters are reminded to ensure their vehicles have a valid inspection certificate, RSL and insurance," NTSA said.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke