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In a press statement issued on Tuesday, the Authority highlighted serious safety defects previously found in school transport vehicles, including faulty speed limiters, defective brakes, and missing seat belts, and called for strict compliance with traffic rules and mandatory vehicle inspections.
Nyamari contends that matatus frequently subject passengers to excessively loud music without prior notice, exposing unsuspecting commuters to noise that can cause psychological distress and harm to health.
The association said some drivers had reported attending highway medical camps for routine services such as blood sugar or eyesight checks, only to later discover that additional tests had been carried out without clear explanation, counselling or written consent.
The authority said the return to school period presents increased risks on the roads, particularly for children, and called for strict compliance with traffic regulations and vehicle safety requirements.
High-altitude highways have been particularly affected by fog, while the persistent downpour has made road surfaces slick, increasing chances of skidding, braking problems, and vehicle control loss.
d Uasin Gishu. The incidents highlight the wide spread of the problem as holiday movement peaks across the country. On December 23, 2025 alone, a total of 16 road crashes were recorded, leading to the deaths of 25 people. Pedestrians and passengers were the most affected, with eight fatalities reported in each group. As part of the enforcement drive, 42 drivers have been arrested, while 418 vehicles have been flagged for failing to meet safety and legal standards.
Authorities are imposing on-the-spot penalties for a variety of traffic offences, emphasizing that the crackdown aims to curb reckless driving and improve overall road safety. The move coincides with the Cabinet’s approval on December 16 of the rollout of second-generation smart driving licences.
The drivers’ lobby group said the behaviour captured in the clip reflected a worrying culture of impatience and carelessness on Kenyan roads, warning that such actions endangered not only the motorists involved but also innocent road users.
NTSA urged Kenyans to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious links or websites. The authority also reiterated that it communicates only through its official website, verified social media channels and an SMS line.
The National Transport and Safety Authority said the new approach is meant to improve safety on the roads by ensuring that drivers in this age bracket are in good health and able to operate vehicles safely. The authority explained that regular medical reviews will help identify conditions that may affect driving ability as people grow older.
In a communiqué issued after a Special Council Meeting in Nairobi, NCAJ said fatalities from road accidents increased from 4,479 in 2024 to 4,682 in 2025, representing a five percent rise.
Ten people, mostly from one family, died in a night crash at Chabera on the Kisii–Kisumu highway, as NTSA data shows rising road deaths and officials urge stricter caution.