NTSA Clarifies Mandatory Driver Fitness Tests Have Not Begun

• Jan 28, 2026

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has clarified that mandatory physical fitness tests for Public Service Vehicle (PSV) and commercial drivers have not yet been implemented.

In a statement on Wednesday, January 28, the authority said the recent eyesight testing drive held by ENA Coach in Nairobi should not be mistaken for the official rollout of the mandatory tests. Similar initiatives have been conducted in the past across the country with the support of transport operators, schools, and both public and private organizations.

“This is to clarify that the mandatory physical fitness tests for PSV and commercial drivers, as required under Section 105A of the Traffic Act (Cap 403), has not yet been rolled out. The initiative held in Nairobi on Tuesday, 27th January 2026, was a commendable effort led by ENA Coach in partnership with its medical partners,” NTSA stated.

The authority emphasized that it is currently working with the Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) to develop a National Framework for medical assessments, which will guide the future rollout of the fitness tests. NTSA also reassured the public that any official rollout and related requirements will be announced through its communication channels and public notices.

The clarification follows online reports suggesting that NTSA had begun mandatory tests for all PSV drivers. ENA Coach conducted comprehensive eye exams for all its drivers on January 27, 2026, in a move the company described as prioritizing passenger safety. The tests were conducted in collaboration with Maxxis by TWL Kenya and Specsales Opticians, and NTSA Program Director Samuel Musumba attended the event.

“Your safety is our priority! We conducted a comprehensive eye examination for our drivers to ensure passengers’ well-being while traveling with us,” ENA Coach said in a statement.

NTSA’s clarification makes clear that these types of assessments, while important, are not yet compulsory under the law. The authority plans to formally announce any mandatory physical fitness test requirements once the national framework is complete.

This move is aimed at ensuring that PSV and commercial drivers are medically fit for duty, reducing risks to passengers while maintaining clarity about legal compliance.