The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has clarified that public service vehicle (PSV) and commercial drivers are not yet required to undergo mandatory physical fitness tests, despite recent public attention surrounding a health initiative in Nairobi.
In a statement, the authority stressed that the medical exercise held in the capital on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, was purely voluntary. “This is to clarify that the mandatory physical fitness tests for PSV and commercial drivers, as required under Section 105A of the Traffic Act, has not yet been rolled out,” NTSA stated.
The Nairobi event, led by ENA Coach in collaboration with its medical partners, aimed to promote road safety through preventive health screening for drivers. NTSA emphasized that similar health drives have been carried out in other parts of the country with support from transport and health stakeholders.
“These include public transport operators, school transport providers, and a range of public and private entities,” the authority noted, highlighting contributions from Vivo Energy Kenya, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, the Kenya Red Cross, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital, NACADA, St. John Ambulance, AA Kenya, Equity Afya, Eldoret Hospital, Lions SightFirst Eye Hospital, Karen Hospital, and City Eye Hospital.
NTSA clarified that these outreach initiatives are intended to improve driver health and road safety but are not mandatory. The authority is still developing a structured approach for rolling out the physical fitness tests.
“The Authority is working closely with the Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) to develop a National Framework for the medical assessment to facilitate the physical fitness tests,” NTSA said.
The framework is expected to guide the process, standardize medical assessments, and ensure consistency nationwide once the policy is officially implemented.
NTSA reassured drivers, transport operators, and the public that enforcement of these tests will only happen after proper notification.
“We assure the public that the rollout of the physical fitness tests and any related requirements will be announced through an official Public Notice and via the Authority’s official communication channels,” it stated.
The authority urged motorists to follow only official NTSA communication for updates, reaffirming its commitment to enhancing road safety under the #UsalamaBarabarani campaign.
