The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) in Kenya has initiated a nationwide training programme aimed at professionalising the public service vehicle (PSV) sector. More than 4,000 PSV drivers, SACCO managers, supervisors, and operators are set to undergo free training. The programme, which started on September 21, will be implemented in four phases: design and baseline, pilot programme, national rollout, and institutionalisation and sustainability.
The first cohorts of trainees began their four-day training in Taita Taveta County, Mombasa, and Garissa, with plans for expansion to other counties. The initiative is part of ongoing reforms to transform public transport from informal operations into professionally managed, safety-oriented, and financially sustainable businesses. NTSA aims to treat drivers and operators as partners in road safety while raising service standards and reducing road traffic crashes.
The training programme will focus on key areas such as defensive driving, hazard prevention, vehicle safety checks, and passenger care. These areas are designed to make drivers more safety-conscious operators. The programme will also target organisations that employ drivers, recognising their vital role in advancing a safety culture and reducing preventable crashes linked to behavioural, vehicular, and operational factors.
NTSA stated that the programme seeks to improve compliance with traffic laws, strengthen SACCO and company management, and develop profitable PSV business models. Upon completion of the training, nominated drivers and operators will serve as road safety champions within their SACCOs and companies. They will be tasked with sustaining the improvements made during the training.
The authority plans to work with training institutions to develop a Professional Drivers Certification and a specialised course in Public Transport Management. This move is expected to enhance the skills and knowledge of drivers and operators in the PSV sector. The rollout of the programme comes just months ahead of the festive season, a period that typically sees a surge in passenger volumes and commercial pressure on PSV operations.
The festive season often presents challenges for PSV operators, with increased demand for services and heightened risks on the roads. By professionalising the sector, NTSA aims to mitigate these risks and improve the overall quality of services provided to passengers. The programme is expected to have a positive impact on road safety and the livelihoods of drivers and operators.
The nationwide training programme is a significant step towards achieving NTSA's goals of transforming the PSV sector into a more safety-conscious and professionally managed industry. With the support of training institutions and stakeholders, the authority is confident that the programme will yield positive results and contribute to a reduction in road traffic crashes and improved service standards.
Key points
- NTSA to train over 4,000 PSV drivers, managers, and operators in road safety and service standards.
- The programme aims to treat drivers and operators as partners in road safety and improve compliance with traffic laws.
- NTSA plans to develop a Professional Drivers Certification and a specialised course in Public Transport Management.
