NTSA launches nationwide training programme to professionalise PSV sector

More than 4,000 Public Service Vehicle (PSV) drivers, SACCO managers, supervisors and operators are set to undergo free training as the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) rolls out a nationwide programme aimed at professionalising Kenya's public transport sector.

The initiative will be implemented in four phases: a design and baseline phase, a pilot programme, national rollout, and institutionalisation and sustainability.

The first cohorts began a four-day training programme on Monday, September 21, in Taita Taveta County, Mombasa and Garissa, ahead of a planned expansion to other counties.

NTSA said the programme forms part of ongoing reforms aimed at transforming public transport from informal, passenger-chasing operations into professionally managed, safety-oriented, financially sustainable and compliant transport businesses.

The authority added that the initiative seeks to treat drivers and operators as partners in road safety, while raising service standards, strengthening compliance and reducing road traffic crashes.

"The programme is designed to treat drivers and operators as partners in road safety," NTSA said.

According to the authority, the training will target both the person behind the wheel and the organisations that employ them, noting that both play a vital role in advancing a safety culture and reducing preventable crashes linked to behavioural, vehicular and operational factors.

Key areas covered in the training include defensive driving, hazard prevention, vehicle safety checks and passenger care, all aimed at making drivers more safety-conscious operators. The programme will also focus on improving compliance with traffic laws, strengthening SACCO and company management, and developing profitable PSV business models.

Nominated drivers and operators will serve as road safety champions within their SACCOs and companies, tasked with sustaining the improvements once the training concludes.

NTSA further said it intends to work with training institutions to develop a Professional Drivers Certification and a specialised course in Public Transport Management.

The rollout comes just months ahead of the festive season, a period that typically sees a surge in passenger volumes and commercial pressure on PSV operations.