NTSA Clarifies Physical Fitness Tests for Drivers Not Yet Rolled Out
NTSA car //image used for illustration only
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has moved to calm fears among drivers and transport operators, stating that mandatory physical fitness tests for public service vehicle (PSV) and commercial drivers are yet to be introduced.
In a statement released on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, NTSA clarified that although the tests are anchored in law under Section 105A of the Traffic Act (Cap 403), their implementation has not begun.
The authority emphasised that any rollout will only happen after a formal public notice and wide public communication.
The clarification follows confusion sparked by a health outreach programme held in Nairobi on Tuesday, January 27, which many interpreted as the start of enforcement.
NTSA distanced itself from that perception, explaining that the event was not a government-led exercise but an independently organised health initiative.
According to the authority, such wellness drives are not new and have been conducted in different parts of the country over the years with support from public transport operators, school transport providers, and both public and private institutions.
Participation in these initiatives, NTSA noted, is entirely voluntary and focused on improving driver health as a way of enhancing road safety.
NTSA also revealed that groundwork is still ongoing to ensure the process is well structured before any mandatory requirements are introduced.
The authority is currently collaborating with the Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) to develop a national framework that will guide how medical assessments for drivers will be carried out.
Reassuring drivers, NTSA stressed that no one will be caught off guard once the policy is ready to take effect.
“Any rollout of physical fitness tests or related requirements will be officially announced through a public notice and our official communication channels,” the authority said.
For now, NTSA urged drivers and transport operators to rely only on verified information and avoid misinformation circulating on social media.