Kenya’s transport regulator, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), has clarified that mandatory physical fitness assessments for Public Service Vehicle (PSV) and commercial drivers have not yet been implemented nationwide.
The authority said the medical checks, referenced under Section 105A of the Traffic Act (Cap 403), are still under development and have not been formally rolled out.
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Health Drive in Nairobi Not Mandatory Rollout
NTSA explained that a health screening event held in Nairobi on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, was not part of an official enforcement exercise. Instead, it was described as a voluntary wellness initiative organized by ENA Coach together with medical partners.
According to the regulator, similar driver health campaigns have been conducted across the country over time with support from transport operators and both public and private institutions.
Some of the organizations that have supported previous wellness drives include:
- Vivo Energy Kenya
- Kenya Red Cross
- NACADA
- St John Ambulance Kenya
- AA Kenya
- Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital
- Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital
Other partners mentioned include Equity Afia, Eldoret Hospital, Karen Hospital, and City Eye Hospital.
National Medical Framework Still Being Developed
NTSA said it is working jointly with the Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health Services (DOSH) to create a national framework that will guide how medical fitness assessments will be conducted once the program is officially launched.
The authority emphasized that no driver should be denied work or penalized based on the pilot screenings currently being carried out.
Official Communication to Come
NTSA assured the public that when the mandatory physical fitness tests are ready, the rollout will be communicated through:
- Official public notices
- NTSA communication channels
- Formal implementation guidelines
Commuter Impact
- No immediate disruption expected in matatu or bus operations
- PSV drivers are not yet required to undergo mandatory medical tests
- Transport operators should continue normal services
- Passengers should not expect sudden driver shortages due to medical screening
Actionable Advice for Commuters
- Continue using public transport normally — no new rules in effect yet
- Ignore misinformation about drivers being barred from work immediately
- Follow updates only from official NTSA communication channels
- Expect improved safety standards once the framework is launched
Metros Insight
This clarification is important because premature enforcement could have caused driver shortages and fare hikes. A structured rollout will allow operators and drivers time to prepare, minimizing disruption to Nairobi’s already stretched commuter network.
