The National Transport and Safety Authority has imposed a temporary moratorium on the licensing of new public transport operators and the addition of new routes, citing persistent non-compliance, road safety concerns, and the proliferation of illegal operators in the sector.
The freeze, effective from 19th June 2026, will last for 24 months for the licensing of new public transport operators, including Saccos and companies. The addition of new routes and existing route extensions will be suspended for 12 months, unless a new road is commissioned. Modifications or reconfiguration of existing licensed routes, including changes to pick and drop points, have also been halted for 12 months.
In a public notice, the Authority stated that the measures are necessitated by persistent non-compliance and road safety concerns within the sector, the proliferation of illegal operators who undercut regulated players by creating significant road safety risks, enabling insecurity, and engaging in unfair competition against licensed operators, and the Authority’s plan to strengthen oversight, enhance transport management systems, and implement broader sector reforms. Modification of routes has also resulted in inconsistency and unreliable public transport services.
During the moratorium, the Authority, in consultation with relevant stakeholders and with the support of county governments, shall conduct a comprehensive audit of road safety compliance and traffic management. The Authority will also assist existing operators to improve their service standards to meet road safety requirements and work with county governments to redefine consistent and profitable routes.
The Authority has made it clear that no new applications for PSV operator licenses will be accepted or processed during this period. This decision applies to all prospective operators intending to be licensed by the Authority. Existing licensed operators shall continue to operate subject to full compliance with safety, licensing, and operational standards.
Prospective investors and operators are encouraged to use this period to submit to the Authority memorandums and proposals to promote road safety and enhance effective management of public transport in Kenya.
For more information and support, the public can contact the Authority through [email protected] or visit the nearest NTSA office.
