The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) in Kenya has initiated a nationwide capacity-building programme aimed at public service vehicle (PSV) drivers and matatu SACCO operators. This programme targets over 4,000 participants who will receive free training and certification. The initiative was announced through a statement on the NTSA's social media account on September 21, 2026.
The free four-day training began on September 21, 2026, in Taita Taveta, Mombasa, and Garissa counties as a pilot phase. The programme is designed to equip drivers and operators with essential skills to enhance road safety. NTSA Director General Nashon Kondhiwa stated that the training is free for drivers and operators, emphasizing the authority's commitment to improving the PSV sector.
The training programme covers various modules, including professional conduct, defensive driving, vehicle safety and fuel efficiency, compliance with traffic laws, digital systems, emergency response, fleet management, financial performance, and customer experience. Participants will also design a 90-day operator improvement plan in a final capstone session. This comprehensive approach aims to address multiple aspects of road safety and PSV operations.
Upon completing the training, drivers and operators will serve as road safety champions within their respective SACCOs and companies. They will be tasked with sustaining improvements beyond the initial cohort. The NTSA completed a Training of Trainers (ToT) phase to ensure qualified facilitators are in place to support the delivery of the programme across the country.
A national rollout of the programme will follow the pilot phase, with training to be extended to additional counties progressively. The NTSA prioritizes high-risk corridors and high-volume routes in its rollout plan. The authority also plans to use data gathered during the pilot phase to refine the curriculum before wider national scale-up.
The NTSA training programme targets both drivers and the organizations that employ them, framing the two groups as equal partners in advancing road safety. The authority believes that lasting improvement in the sector depends on cooperation between drivers, operators, and the regulator. The programme also aims to generate practical industry input into a review of the PSV (Operations) Regulations, 2014, and the wider licensing framework.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Roads and Transport, the NTSA is implementing the programme. Operators and drivers seeking further information can contact the authority via email or visit the nearest NTSA office or Huduma Centre. Additionally, the NTSA reminded motorists to observe the 30 km/h speed limit in school zones and listed requirements for drivers and public service vehicle operators, including valid driving licences and current PSV badges.
Key points
- The programme aims to train and certify over 4,000 PSV drivers and matatu SACCO operators.
- The training covers various modules, including professional conduct, defensive driving, and vehicle safety.
- The programme is being implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Roads and Transport.
