The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has announced a temporary ban on the licensing of new public service transport operators in a move aimed at improving safety and order within Kenya’s public transport sector.
In a public notice issued on Friday, June 20, the authority said no new public service vehicle (PSV) Saccos or companies will be licensed for the next two years.
The decision forms part of a wider plan by the regulator to address ongoing challenges affecting the transport industry, including non-compliance with regulations and rising road safety concerns.
According to NTSA, the moratorium will remain in place for 24 months and will affect all applications for new PSV operators across the country.
The authority believes the move will provide an opportunity to streamline operations and strengthen oversight within the sector.
NTSA announced a one-year suspension on the introduction of new routes and the extension of existing routes. The only exception will be in cases where a new road is officially commissioned during the period. The authority said such cases may be reviewed separately.
The regulator has also suspended for one year any modification or reconfiguration of licensed routes.
This includes changes to existing pick-up and drop-off points that operators may wish to introduce.
“The authority hereby issues a temporary moratorium on the licensing of new public transport operators (Saccos and Companies) for a period of 24 months,” read part of the notice issued by the Director General of NTSA.
“The authority also imposes a 12-month moratorium on the addition of new routes and the extension of existing routes, subject to review where a new road is commissioned.”
NTSA noted that the decision was informed by persistent cases of non-compliance within the public transport sector.
The authority also raised concerns over the increasing number of unlawful operators, saying some have been operating outside the established regulatory framework.
According to the agency, such operators contribute to unfair competition, insecurity, and unsafe travel conditions for passengers. Licensed operators have also been affected by those who fail to meet the required standards but continue to provide transport services.
During the moratorium period, NTSA plans to work closely with county governments and other stakeholders to strengthen transport management systems.
The authority also intends to conduct a nationwide audit of road safety compliance and traffic operations as part of efforts to improve service delivery and enhance safety on Kenyan roads.
