The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has announced a set of new rules aimed at improving road safety, vehicle inspection standards and school transport regulations across the country.
Outlined in a special issue of the Kenya Gazette published June 18, the proposed rules seek to strengthen enforcement, reduce traffic-related fatalities and modernize oversight of commercial and public service vehicles.
The new measures, detailed under Gazette Notice No. 7856, include four major sets of proposed rules and regulations targeting key areas of transportation.
The Traffic (Motor Vehicle Inspection) Rules, 2025 will require mandatory inspections for all vehicles older than four years, and all commercial, school and public service vehicles.
Inspections will also be required before registration, after accidents, and when vehicle ownership or particulars change.
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The new rules also aim to standardize salvage vehicle registration, regulate private inspection centers and introduce penalties for non-compliance.
NTSA to School Transport
The Traffic (School Transport) Rules, 2025 propose a comprehensive licensing and regulation framework for school buses and vans.
Vehicles will need to meet specific safety standards, including mandatory seat belts, fire extinguishers and clear signage.
Drivers and attendants will be subject to strict qualification requirements, and operating protocols will be standardized to ensure children’s safety during school hours.
Unauthorized use of school transport for private purposes will be banned without a temporary permit.
Rules Against Drunk Driving
Under the proposed Traffic (Drink Driving) Rules, 2025, legal alcohol limits for drivers will be formally prescribed and enforced.
The regulations will permit the use of breathalyzers, blood and urine tests, and allow for penalties including license suspension or revocation for repeat offenders.
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Drivers who refuse to comply with testing will also face legal consequences. The rules provide a detailed testing protocol and establish the admissibility of test results in court.
Commercial Transport
The National Transport and Safety (Operation of Commercial Vehicles) Regulations, 2025 aim to raise standards for commercial vehicles by requiring licensing for operators and drivers, limiting driver working hours, and mandating safety equipment such as speed governors and underride guards.
The new rules also set standards for cargo loading, accident reporting, and will empower the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to conduct audits and remove stalled vehicles from roads.
The Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport, Davis Chirchir, urged the public and stakeholders to submit their feedback on the proposed changes within 14 days of the notice’s publication.
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