The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) in Kenya has initiated a nationwide training program for public service vehicle (PSV) drivers and operators. This move aims to professionalize public transport operations, enhance compliance, and reduce road traffic crashes. The program, launched in partnership with the Ministry of Transport, will train over 4,000 drivers, SACCO managers, supervisors, and operators free of charge.
The training program is part of ongoing reforms in the public transport sector, focusing on shifting from informal operations to professionally managed, safety-oriented, and financially sustainable transport businesses. NTSA emphasizes that the program treats drivers and operators as partners in road safety. The initiative consists of four phases: design and baseline assessment, a pilot program, national rollout, and institutionalization and sustainability.
The first cohorts of drivers and operators began their four-day training on September 21 in Taita Taveta, Mombasa, and Garissa counties. This pilot phase precedes a national rollout and was strategically scheduled before the festive season when passenger volumes and commercial pressure on PSV operations typically increase. A Training of Trainers (ToT) cohort has been completed to support the program's rollout.
The program targets both drivers and their employers, acknowledging their critical roles in promoting a safety culture and reducing preventable crashes linked to behavioral, vehicular, and operational factors. The training will focus on professional mindset, passenger care, defensive driving, vehicle safety, compliance, and digital systems, among other areas. This comprehensive approach aims to address the needs of drivers and operators as well as regulatory compliance requirements.
Key objectives of the program include professionalizing PSV drivers through structured training, reducing crashes, and protecting passengers, drivers, pedestrians, and other road users. Additionally, the program seeks to build a cadre of safety champions and trainers within SACCOs and transport companies, strengthen business and financial management capacities, and improve compliance with traffic laws and regulations.
NTSA plans to progressively extend the training cohorts to additional counties through a phased approach, prioritizing high-risk corridors and high-volume routes. The authority will also refine the curriculum and trainer deployment based on monitoring data from the pilot phase. Furthermore, NTSA aims to develop a professional course in Public Transport Management and Professional Drivers Certification in collaboration with training institutions.
The expected outcomes of the program include improved driving practices, enhanced operational standards, and a lasting culture of safety among drivers and operators. By strengthening partnerships between NTSA and the industry, the program lays the groundwork for deeper structural reforms, including operator consolidation, contract-based service delivery, and integrated fare systems. The program's success is anticipated to contribute to a reduction in road traffic crashes and improved passenger safety.
Key points
- The program aims to train over 4,000 drivers, SACCO managers, supervisors, and operators.
- The training focuses on professionalizing PSV drivers, reducing crashes, and improving compliance with traffic laws.
- The program is being implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Transport.
