NTSA Mandates Suspended Drivers to Re-Enrol in Driving School Under New Rules
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has outlined strict new measures requiring motorists whose driving licences have been suspended or revoked to undergo fresh training at registered driving schools before being allowed back on the road, as the agency intensifies its crackdown on reckless and unqualified drivers.
In a statement issued on Thursday, January 15, NTSA confirmed that it operates a centralised national database that captures all drivers whose licences have been suspended, revoked, or subjected to disciplinary action. The clarification followed growing public concern that rogue drivers could evade sanctions by moving between transport Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations (SACCOs) or seeking work elsewhere.
The concerns were sparked by an online debate after a member of the public questioned the effectiveness of licence suspensions. “A step in the right direction, but you need to have a central database of suspended unqualified drivers and conductors. They could otherwise easily join another sacco and remain foolish,” the user wrote.
Responding to the concern, NTSA dismissed claims of loopholes in its enforcement system, insisting that once a driver’s licence is suspended, they are effectively locked out of the public transport sector nationwide.
“We have the database. Once the driving licence is suspended, the driver cannot join any SACCO. He or she must go back to a driving school to train afresh,” NTSA stated.
According to the Authority, the retraining requirement is mandatory and forms part of broader reforms aimed at improving road safety, discipline, and professionalism within the transport sector. Only after successfully completing retraining and meeting set standards can a suspended driver apply for reinstatement of their licence.
NTSA further addressed concerns that some drivers might bypass SACCOs altogether and seek employment with private transport operators. The Authority said all driver records are digitally integrated and accessible to employers, making it difficult for sanctioned drivers to conceal their status.
“The information is automatically updated on the free NTSA mobile app. Further, driving licence records can be searched via the NTSA service portal,” the Authority explained.
The statement comes against the backdrop of public outrage following a viral video circulated on social media on December 31, showing a public service vehicle driver engaging in reckless driving while a conductor was captured pushing a young girl who was standing by the roadside. The footage sparked widespread condemnation, with Kenyans demanding swift action against those involved.
NTSA confirmed that investigations were launched immediately after the video emerged. The outcome included the suspension of the driver’s licence after he failed a mandatory retest, as well as disciplinary action taken by the operator.
“Both the driver and the conductor have been disengaged by the Sacco. The driver’s driving licence has also been suspended after he failed a retest,” NTSA said.
The Authority noted that such enforcement actions are part of a sustained campaign to restore order on Kenyan roads, particularly within the public transport sector, which has frequently been linked to road accidents caused by speeding, reckless driving, and non-compliance with traffic laws.
Road safety experts have welcomed NTSA’s tougher stance, saying compulsory retraining could help correct dangerous driving behaviours while ensuring that only qualified and disciplined motorists are allowed to operate.
NTSA has urged the public to continue reporting traffic violations and unsafe conduct, reiterating that public cooperation remains critical in promoting safer roads.
As Kenya grapples with rising road fatalities, the Authority says the new measures are intended not only to punish offenders but also to reform them, ensuring long-term improvements in road safety and passenger protection.
ALSO READ: Court Makes First Decision in Contested Mbeere North Case
NTSA Mandates Suspended Drivers to Re-Enrol in Driving School Under New Rules
