NTSA Sets Up 8 Mandatory Requirements for Commercial Service Vehicles

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has proposed eight mandatory requirements for all commercial service vehicles.

In a statement on Monday, January 27, NTSA disclosed that the requirements are contained in the Draft National Transport and Safety Authority (Operation of Commercial Service Vehicles) Regulations, 2025.

In the draft, the authority disclosed that all commercial service vehicles shall have at minimum a third-party insurance cover as well as a valid vehicle inspection certificate.

Similarly, the vehicles are required to have installed a speed limiter conforming to the applicable Kenyan Standard as stipulated by the Kenya Bureau of Standards.

NTSA further indicated that all the commercial vehicles shall have an installed vehicular telematic system conforming to the applicable 6 Kenyan Standard as stipulated by the Kenya Bureau of Standards.

Additionally, the authority noted that the vehicles must have retro reflective contour markings with a minimum width of two inches that conform to the applicable Kenyan Standard as stipulated by the Kenya Bureau of Standards.

They shall also carry an efficient fire extinguisher that is maintained in perfect order and be carried in such a position to be readily available for use at any time, as well as a first aid outfit sufficient to deal with any reasonable emergency.

NTSA added that the vehicles must have installed underride protection devices on the rear and side of commercial vehicles where applicable, conforming to the applicable Kenyan Standard as stipulated by the Kenya Bureau of Standards.

The proposal comes after the authority drafted new measures in a bid to enhance the safety of learners while using school vehicles.

Among the measures outlined by NTSA on January 15, vehicles over 30 feet shall have reflectorized red stop signal arms on the front and rear right hand.

NTSA explained that the stop sign arms will be used by the vehicle while it is at least thirty meters from a stop and when it stops to allow schoolchildren to alight or board.