NTSA to Conduct Mandatory Eye-Tests for Drivers to Curb Road Accidents

NTSA to Conduct Mandatory Eye-Tests for Drivers to Curb Road Accidents

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has rolled out a mandatory eyesight testing programme for drivers in an effort to reduce road accidents and fatalities linked to poor visibility, particularly during night travel. The initiative, which will be implemented in phases across the country, was officially launched in Nairobi County.

The move follows alarming road safety statistics recorded at the start of 2026. According to NTSA, more than 40 people lost their lives in road accidents within the first 20 days of January alone, marking one of the deadliest starts to a year in recent history. On the first day of the exercise in Nairobi, more than 200 drivers underwent free eye tests.

NTSA says the programme targets all licensed drivers and will be conducted at no cost as part of a broader strategy to address human factors contributing to crashes on Kenyan roads.

“Poor visibility, especially at night, has emerged as a major contributor to fatal accidents. This initiative is designed to ensure that every driver on our roads is medically fit and able to see clearly, particularly in low-light conditions,” an NTSA official said during the launch.

The Authority has linked a significant number of fatal accidents to poor night-time visibility, noting that long-distance drivers are particularly vulnerable when travelling on poorly lit highways. These risks are often compounded by speeding, fatigue, alcohol consumption, and failure to comply with traffic regulations.

According to NTSA data, Kenya recorded 4,458 road accident fatalities in 2025, representing a 3.4 per cent increase from the 4,311 deaths reported in 2024. Pedestrians were the most affected, accounting for 1,685 fatalities, followed by motorcyclists with 1,148 deaths. Passengers recorded 723 fatalities, while rear-seat passengers accounted for 432 deaths. Drivers recorded 403 deaths, and pedal cyclists 67 fatalities nationwide.

Regionally, Nairobi County reported the highest number of road deaths at 447, followed by Kiambu County with 387 fatalities and Nakuru County with 318 deaths.

NTSA has identified speeding, drunk driving, driver fatigue, and non-compliance with safety regulations as the leading causes behind the rising death toll. However, the Authority says visual impairment remains an under-addressed risk factor.

“Most fatal journeys happen at night when poor eyesight, fatigue and speeding combine to create extremely dangerous conditions for all road users,” the Authority noted.

Mandatory eye testing and medical assessments for drivers are not new in Kenya. NTSA previously conducted large-scale enforcement and medical screening exercises, particularly in June 2023, targeting public service vehicle (PSV) operators. The renewed focus signals a tougher stance on driver fitness amid rising fatalities.

The government last imposed a nationwide ban on night travel for long-distance public service vehicles on December 31, 2017, following the Migaa crash that claimed 31 lives. The directive restricted PSV operations to between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m., although the High Court temporarily lifted the ban in January 2018.

The current eye-testing initiative also comes shortly after NTSA introduced new regulations barring suspended drivers from joining or operating under any registered Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisation (SACCO). Under the rules, drivers whose licences are suspended must return to registered driving schools for mandatory retraining before reinstatement.

NTSA says the free eye-testing programme complements existing enforcement measures and reflects a shift toward preventive interventions rather than reactive enforcement alone.

“Road safety is a shared responsibility. By addressing medical fitness, especially eyesight, we are tackling one of the silent contributors to crashes before lives are lost,” the Authority said.

The nationwide rollout is expected to continue in the coming weeks as NTSA works with county governments and other stakeholders to reach drivers across the country.

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NTSA to Conduct Mandatory Eye-Tests for Drivers to Curb Road Accidents