The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) could take on a bigger role in inspecting and approving public service vehicles, including matatus, if a proposed law is passed.
The Senate Standing Committee on Roads and Transportation has invited Kenyans and motorists to give their views on the National Transport and Safety Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
The proposed legislation seeks to create a legal framework for regulating companies and individuals responsible for checking whether public service vehicles meet the required technical standards.
Under the Bill, NTSA would be given powers to register and license public service vehicle conformity assessors before they can carry out inspections.
The proposed law would also require inspectors to be independent from the vehicles they assess. An assessor would not be allowed to be involved in designing, manufacturing, supplying, installing, buying, owning or maintaining a vehicle being inspected.
NTSA would also set the standards and procedures for conducting conformity assessments. Licensed assessors would be expected to inspect public service vehicles periodically, with the Bill proposing assessments every three years.
The authority would further be responsible for carrying out regular audits of licensed assessors to ensure they comply with the law.
Currently, the Kenya Association of Bus Manufacturers handles conformity assessments for public service vehicles. The proposed changes are intended to address concerns about the lack of a clear legal framework governing these assessments.
The Senate has given members of the public 14 days to submit their views on the proposed legislation.
Kenyans, including matatu operators and other transport stakeholders, have until October 8, 2026, at 5pm to submit their comments to the Senate.
The proposed changes will only take effect if the Bill completes the required legislative process and becomes law.