Thousands of Kenyan Drivers to Face Re-Testing Ahead of Christmas
Thousands of Kenyan drivers could face mandatory re-testing ahead of the Christmas festive season as the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) ramps up efforts to reduce road accidents.
NTSA Director General Angela Wanjira announced a series of proactive measures on Sunday, November 16, citing a worrying 2.6 per cent increase in road crash victims in 2025 compared to the previous year.
“Road safety remains our top priority, especially as we approach the festive period, when travel increases dramatically,” Wanjira said. “We are introducing targeted interventions to ensure drivers meet the required competency standards and reduce preventable accidents on our roads.”
Under the new measures, drivers flagged through enforcement initiatives and the NTSA’s Intelligent Road Safety Management System (IRSMS) will be subjected to compulsory re-testing. This step is aimed at confirming drivers’ competency and promoting safer behaviour behind the wheel.
Launched in 2023, the IRSMS is central to the authority’s festive season strategy. The digital system monitors vehicles—including public service vehicles (PSVs) and commercial fleets—tracking speed, braking patterns, route compliance, and driver behaviour. Alerts are automatically sent to the NTSA when violations such as reckless overtaking or speeding occur.
“The IRSMS allows us to identify drivers who consistently breach safety standards,” Wanjira explained. “Those drivers will now face corrective action, including mandatory retraining, to help improve overall road safety.”
During the festive season, drivers flagged by the IRSMS risk losing their licences if they fail to meet corrective requirements, she added.
In addition to re-testing, the NTSA will expand its renowned Usalama Barabarani programme. The initiative focuses on encouraging seat belt use, addressing driver fatigue, and raising public awareness about responsible road behaviour.
The authority will also conduct pre-festive inspection clinics at bus termini, targeting vehicles preparing for increased passenger traffic. “We know buses experience a business boom during this period as many Kenyans travel to their rural homes. These inspections are a proactive step to ensure vehicles are roadworthy and drivers are prepared,” Wanjira said.
Moreover, NTSA plans to collaborate closely with the National Police Service to implement multi-agency strategies that prioritise prevention over post-accident reaction. “Working together, we can enforce road safety standards more effectively and reduce the number of tragedies on our roads,” Wanjira noted.
Historically, Kenya has witnessed a spike in road accidents during the festive season, prompting the government to intensify safety measures. The new initiatives represent a concerted effort to curb accidents and ensure safer travel for Kenyans heading home for the holidays.
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Thousands of Kenyan Drivers to Face Re-Testing Ahead of Christmas