More than 4,000 public service vehicle drivers, operators, SACCO managers and supervisors are set to undergo free training as NTSA rolls out a nationwide plan to professionalise public transport sector.

The programme began on Monday, September 21, with the first driver and operator cohorts starting a four-day training programme in Taita Taveta, Mombasa and Garissa counties.

The programme is part of ongoing reforms aimed at shifting public transport from informal, passenger-chasing operations to professionally managed, safety-orientated, financially sustainable and compliant transport businesses.

The National Transport and Safety Authority said the reforms are intended to treat drivers and operators as “partners in road safety” while raising service standards, strengthening compliance and reducing road traffic crashes.

The authority said the programme targets both “the person behind the wheel” and the organisation that employs them, recognising the role each plays in advancing a safety culture and reducing preventable crashes.

“Both play critical roles in advancing a safety culture and reducing preventable crashes linked to behavioural, vehicular, and operational factors,” NTSA said.

The training will focus on defensive driving, passenger care and compliance, with the aim of professionalising PSV drivers as “safety-conscious operators”.

NTSA said the programme will also build “a lasting culture of safety among drivers and operators” while improving day-to-day driving practices and operational standards.

The initiative will create a pool of safety champions and trainers within SACCOs and transport companies who will help sustain the changes after the initial training cohorts.

Nominated drivers and operators will serve as “road safety champions” within their SACCOs and companies after completing the programme.

The training covers professional conduct, communication and driver wellness, as well as defensive driving, vehicle safety and fuel efficiency.

Participants will be trained on hazard perception, vehicle checks and smooth driving. They will also learn about legal awareness, digital systems and emergency response.

An integrated competency assessment will be used to identify safety gaps and establish immediate remedies.

The programme also targets the business side of public transport, with operators, SACCO managers and company management receiving training in strategic leadership, governance and financial performance.

Other areas include fleet operations, compliance, road safety, customer experience, technology and sustainable growth.

Participants will also develop a “90-day operator improvement plan” as part of the programme.

NTSA said the initiative is being implemented in four phases: design and baseline, pilot programme, scale-up and national rollout, and institutionalisation and sustainability.

A Training of Trainers cohort has already completed its programme to support the rollout.

The first driver and operator cohorts were deliberately scheduled ahead of the festive season, when passenger volumes and commercial pressure on PSV operations typically rise.

NTSA said the pilot phase will provide data to help refine the curriculum and trainer deployment before the programme is expanded nationally.

The next phase will progressively extend the training to additional counties, with priority given to “high-risk corridors and high-volume routes”.

The authority also plans to develop a professional course for Public Transport Management and Professional Drivers Certification in collaboration with training institutions.

The programme is expected to strengthen compliance with traffic laws, licensing, roadworthiness, insurance, passenger-safety standards and other statutory obligations.

It will also generate “practical, sector-informed input” into the review of the PSV (Operations) Regulations, 2014, and the wider licensing framework.

NTSA said the programme will strengthen its partnership with the public transport industry as the foundation for deeper structural reforms.

These reforms will include operator consolidation, contract-based service delivery and integrated fare systems.

The authority said lasting improvement will depend on drivers, operators and regulators working together.

“The programme is designed to treat drivers and operators as partners in road safety,” NTSA said.

The programme is therefore intended to strengthen sustainable and profitable PSV business models while improving passenger protection and the safety of other road users.

NTSA, in collaboration with the Ministry of Roads and Transport, is working with operators and nominated drivers taking part in the programme.

The training is free for drivers and operators.

The authority said the programme will help professionalise public transport operations while strengthening safety, compliance and service standards across the sector.

Drivers and operators seeking more information can contact NTSA through [email protected], its X platform, @ntsa_kenya, and Facebook, @NTSAKENYA.

They can also visit the nearest NTSA office or Huduma Centre.