NTSA Rolls Out Free Training for Over 4,000 PSV Drivers and Operators

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has launched a nationwide capacity-building programme targeting public service vehicle (PSV) drivers, operators, managers and supervisors.

In a statement on Monday, September 21, the authority said the programme seeks to promote professionalism, improve road safety, strengthen compliance and support more sustainable business practices among PSV operators.

"As part of ongoing reforms in the public transport sector, NTSA has launched a nationwide capacity-building programme for public service vehicle (PSV) drivers and operators.

"The reforms aim to shift the sector from informal, passenger-chasing operations to professionally managed, safety-oriented, financially sustainable and compliant transport businesses," the statement read.

NTSA said the initiative was designed to involve both drivers and the organisations responsible for operating and managing PSV businesses, with the Authority viewing both groups as important partners in improving safety standards.

"The programme is designed to treat drivers and operators as partners in road safety, professionalise public transport operations, raise service standards, strengthen compliance and reduce road traffic crashes," the statement added.

According to NTSA, the programme targets both the person behind the wheel and the operator employing them, with the training addressing responsibilities at both individual and organisational levels.

"Both play critical roles in advancing a safety culture and reducing preventable crashes linked to behavioural, vehicular, and operational factors. Lasting improvement depends on both parties working together alongside the Authority," the statement further read.

The training is intended to professionalise PSV drivers through structured instruction in defensive driving, passenger care and regulatory compliance while promoting a sustained safety culture across the sector.

It will also seek to reduce crashes and improve protection for passengers, drivers, pedestrians and other road users by addressing everyday driving practices and operational standards.

Another objective is to create a network of safety champions and trainers within Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations (SACCOs) and transport companies.

The programme will further focus on strengthening operators' business, financial and fleet-management skills, with the aim of supporting sustainable and profitable PSV business models.

NTSA will also use the programme to improve compliance with traffic laws, licensing requirements, roadworthiness standards, insurance obligations, passenger-safety measures and other statutory requirements.

The authority said the initiative would generate practical input into the review of the PSV (Operations) Regulations, 2014, as well as the wider licensing framework.

It will also strengthen cooperation between NTSA and industry players as part of broader structural reforms, including operator consolidation, contract-based service delivery and integrated fare systems.

The training curriculum will cover professional mindset, passenger care and wellness, including professional conduct, communication and fitness-to-drive decisions.

Participants will also undergo training on defensive driving, vehicle safety and fuel efficiency, with lessons covering hazard perception, vehicle inspections and smooth driving techniques.

Other areas will include compliance, digital systems and emergency response, focusing on legal awareness, technology and emergency procedures.

An integrated competency assessment will be used to identify safety gaps and establish immediate corrective actions, while operators and managers will receive training in strategic leadership, governance and financial performance.

The programme will also cover fleet operations, compliance and road safety, customer experience, technology and sustainable business growth.

Participants will complete an integrated capstone exercise involving the development of a 90-day operator improvement plan.

NTSA said implementation would take place in four phases: design and baseline assessment, a pilot programme, scale-up and national rollout, followed by institutionalisation and sustainability.

A Training of Trainers (ToT) cohort has already completed its preparation to support delivery of the programme across the country.

The first driver and operator cohorts began a free four-day training programme on September 21, 2026, in Taita Taveta County through Voi, as well as in Mombasa and Garissa counties.

NTSA said the pilot phase had been scheduled ahead of the festive season, when passenger numbers and commercial pressure on PSV operations typically increase.

Nominated drivers and operators participating in the programme will subsequently serve as road safety champions within their respective SACCOs and transport companies.

The authority plans to progressively extend the training to more counties, with priority given to high-risk corridors and high-volume routes.

Monitoring data collected during the pilot phase will be used to refine the curriculum and improve trainer deployment before the programme is expanded nationally.

NTSA also plans to develop a professional course for Public Transport Management and Professional Drivers Certification in collaboration with training institutions.

The authority said more than 4,000 people across the PSV sector would eventually benefit from the training and certification programme.

"NTSA, in collaboration with the Ministry of Roads and Transport, is working closely with operators and nominated drivers who will participate in the programme and serve as road safety champions. Over 4,000 drivers, operator/SACCO managers and supervisors will be trained and certified. The training is free for drivers and operators," the statement further read.

This comes weeks after NTSA issued a scam alert after fraudsters were identified using a fake website and phone numbers to target motorists and members of the public. 

In a notice on Thursday, September 3, the authority urged motorists to remain vigilant and avoid suspicious links or websites that may falsely present themselves as official government service platforms. 

NTSA said fraudsters are exploiting the domain govpenalize.eu.cc/ken in their schemes. The phone numbers +254 731500713 and +254 754981677 have also been associated with the scam. 

The authority has advised members of the public to report any suspicious links or websites and to use only its authorised platforms when accessing its services.

NTSA's official website is ntsa.go.ke, while its services are available through the eCitizen service portal at serviceportal.ntsa.go.ke or directly through an individual's eCitizen account.