The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has stepped up its efforts to improve safety and professionalism in Kenya’s public transport sector, with new compliance requirements and reforms receiving attention in September 2026. The latest developments affect matatu drivers, conductors, Sacco managers and operators, while passengers are also expected to benefit from stricter enforcement of safety standards.

One of the most recent developments is NTSA’s emphasis on five conditions that must be met for a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) journey to be considered lawful. The requirements focus on the driver, the vehicle, the authorised route, passenger safety and responsible operation. Reports published on September 25 say failure to satisfy any one of the required conditions can make a PSV journey non-compliant. 

1. Drivers must be properly licensed and authorised

A major part of the new compliance approach is ensuring that people behind the wheel of matatus are properly qualified and authorised to operate PSVs.

The driver is expected to have a valid driving licence appropriate for the vehicle being driven and to meet the requirements applicable to PSV drivers. NTSA's broader enforcement programme is also placing greater emphasis on driver behaviour, speed compliance and road safety.

This is important because the condition of a matatu alone does not guarantee passenger safety. A vehicle may be mechanically sound, but unsafe driving can still expose passengers and other road users to danger.

NTSA has also been increasing attention on driver training. In September, the Authority launched a nationwide training programme targeting more than 4,000 matatu drivers, Sacco managers and transport-company supervisors. The programme began on September 21, with pilot sessions in Voi, Mombasa and Garissa. The training is intended to promote professional management, safety and better service in the PSV sector. 

2. Matatus must meet vehicle safety requirements

Another important area is the condition of the matatu itself.

PSVs are expected to comply with applicable vehicle inspection, roadworthiness, insurance and safety requirements. Speed-control equipment is also an important requirement for applicable PSVs, with Kenya's regulatory framework providing for speed-governing equipment.

Recent NTSA enforcement has demonstrated that non-compliance can have serious consequences for operators. In September, NTSA suspended the licences of two long-distance PSV operators after identifying compliance problems, including speed violations. The operators were directed to present their vehicles for inspection before their licences could potentially be restored. 

For passengers, this means that issues such as badly worn tyres, defective lights, unsafe doors, damaged seats or other obvious mechanical problems should not be ignored.

3. Passenger capacity remains important

Matatus are also expected to operate within the legally permitted passenger capacity.

Overloading creates additional risks, particularly during emergencies. When a vehicle carries more passengers than permitted, evacuation becomes more difficult and the vehicle may also become harder to control.

The latest compliance messaging therefore places passenger safety and lawful operation at the centre of PSV operations. Drivers and conductors should not treat excess passengers as simply a way of increasing earnings.

Passengers can also play a role by avoiding vehicles that are visibly overloaded and by raising concerns where they believe safety requirements are being ignored.

4. Operators must follow authorised routes

Route compliance is another major issue in the government's ongoing reform of the matatu industry.

In June 2026, NTSA announced a 24-month moratorium on licensing new PSV operators, including new matatu Saccos and companies. It also suspended the addition of new routes and extensions of existing routes for 12 months, as well as certain route modifications. Existing licensed operators were allowed to continue operating provided they remained compliant with safety, licensing and operational requirements.

NTSA said the measures were intended to address persistent non-compliance, illegal operators and road-safety concerns while the Authority undertakes wider reforms.

This means operators cannot simply introduce new routes or change authorised arrangements without following the required regulatory procedures.

5. Professional conduct by drivers and conductors

NTSA has also placed increased emphasis on how matatu crews treat passengers.

Recent guidance highlighted professional conduct, including respectful communication with passengers, providing relevant information and treating vulnerable road users and passengers fairly. The broader objective is to move public transport away from informal practices and towards a more professional service. 

This is significant because passengers interact most directly with drivers and conductors. Professional conduct can therefore affect the overall travelling experience as much as vehicle condition.

New proposed role for NTSA in matatu inspections

Another major development being discussed in September 2026 is the National Transport and Safety Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

The proposed law would give NTSA a greater role in registering, licensing and supervising specialists who assess whether PSV bodies meet required technical standards. The Bill was first read in the Senate on September 15 and has since been referred to the relevant Senate committee. 

Under the proposal, conformity assessors would have to demonstrate independence from the vehicles they inspect. They would not be allowed to be involved in designing, manufacturing, supplying, installing, purchasing, owning or maintaining the vehicles or equipment they are assessing.

The proposed system would also give NTSA authority to establish assessment criteria, designate licensed assessors and conduct periodic audits.

It is important to note that this is a proposed law, not a fully enacted new matatu rule. Public participation is currently underway, with the Senate inviting submissions until October 8, 2026. 

What the changes mean for matatu operators

For matatu owners and Sacco officials, the direction of the reforms is clear: greater emphasis is being placed on compliance, professional management and passenger safety.

Operators need to ensure that their vehicles are properly inspected, insured and maintained. Drivers and conductors should have the required documentation and follow traffic regulations. Saccos also need to monitor the conduct of their crews and respond to safety concerns.

The recent training programme involving thousands of industry officials demonstrates that NTSA is not relying only on enforcement. It is also attempting to educate industry participants and improve management practices. 

What passengers should know

For ordinary passengers, the changes are mainly about safety and accountability.

Passengers should expect matatus to operate with properly authorised drivers, comply with capacity requirements, follow approved routes and maintain appropriate safety standards. Passengers should also be cautious when boarding vehicles that appear overloaded, mechanically unsafe or driven recklessly.

The reforms are particularly important because public transport carries millions of Kenyans every day. Improving compliance can therefore have a direct effect on road safety.

A changing matatu sector

The September 2026 developments form part of a wider effort to reorganise Kenya's public transport industry. NTSA has been pursuing stronger oversight of PSVs while also working to professionalise the sector through training, inspections and enforcement.

At the same time, some proposed regulations have faced legislative scrutiny. On September 8, the Senate annulled three 2026 statutory instruments, including the Traffic (Motor Vehicle Inspection) Rules, 2026 and the NTSA (Operation of Commercial Vehicles) Regulations, 2026, citing concerns over public participation. 

Therefore, matatu operators should distinguish between rules currently in force, NTSA enforcement directives, and proposals still undergoing parliamentary consideration.