The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has clarified plans for mandatory physical fitness tests targeting PSV and commercial drivers, as required under Section 105A of the Traffic Act (Cap 403).
In a statement on January 28, NTSA confirmed that the program is still in the planning stage and has not yet been rolled out.
“The mandatory physical fitness tests for PSV and commercial drivers have not yet been rolled out,” the NTSA statement read.
Additionally, the safety agency confirmed that the recent health initiative held in Nairobi on January 27, 2026, led by ENA Coach in partnership with medical partners, was a commendable effort but not part of the official rollout.
The body emphasised that similar health drives have previously taken place across the country with support from public transport operators, school transport providers, and a range of public and private entities.
Partners in past initiatives include Vivo Energy Kenya, the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Red Cross, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital, NACADA, St. John Ambulance, AA Kenya, Equity Afya, Eldoret Hospital, Lions SightFirst Eye Hospital, Karen Hospital, and City Eye Hospital.
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NTSA National Framework for Medical Assessment
According to the statement shared on Wednesday, the Authority is collaborating closely with the Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) to develop a National Framework for medical assessments.
This framework will guide the eventual rollout of the mandatory physical fitness tests and ensure standardised evaluation procedures for all PSV and commercial drivers.
“The Authority is working closely with the Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) to develop a National Framework for the medical assessment,” it stated.
NTSA assured the public that the rollout of the tests, along with any related requirements, will be communicated officially through public notices and the Authority’s verified communication channels to provide clear and accurate information to drivers and other stakeholders.
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“The rollout of the physical fitness tests and any related requirements will be announced through an official Public Notice and via the Authority’s official communication channels,” NTSA stressed.
NTSA Medical Assessment Act
Section 105A of the Traffic Act mandates that PSV and commercial drivers undergo a physical fitness test, including eyesight and hearing evaluations by a qualified medical practitioner, before licence renewal, typically every three years.
Under this law, no licence can be renewed without a certified medical fitness report. The development comes at a time when the NTSA has stepped up efforts to ensure road safety with interventions including mandatory retests for drivers caught violating traffic rules.
In response to several cases of rogue driving captured on Kenyan roads, the authority has recalled the drivers of the involved vehicles. Those who failed the retest have since lost their driver’s license, a move NTSA is banking on to ensure safety and weed out reckless drivers.
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