The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) could, from July 1, 2026, begin suspending or revoking the driving licences of some commercial vehicle owners under new regulations.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

This follows the expected enactment of the National Transport and Safety (Operation of Commercial Vehicles) Regulations, 2026, which expands NTSA's powers on commercial vehicles.

Under the new regulations, operators of commercial vehicles must ensure their vehicles are mechanically roadworthy and maintain vehicle service records for at least two years.

They must also employ qualified drivers, conduct regular road safety awareness programmes and ensure drivers do not exceed the legally prescribed driving hours.

📌 What You Need to Know

In addition, commercial vehicle operators will be required to report any fatal road accident involving one of their commercial vehicles to NTSA within 20 hours.

The preliminary report must include details of the driver, vehicle registration, maintenance records and the known circumstances surrounding the crash.

Similarly, every vehicle must have a valid inspection certificate, third-party insurance, an approved speed limiter, reflective contour markings, a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit.

Beginning July 1, 2026, applicable vehicles must also be fitted with vehicular telematics systems and underride protection devices that comply with Kenyan standards.

NTSA has also been empowered to conduct safety audits on transport operators, inspect maintenance and driver records, and tow stalled commercial vehicles that pose a danger to other road users.

Once an operator obtains a valid licence from NTSA, the licence will remain valid for a year and must be renewed annually at a fee of Ksh2,000.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke