NTSA Clarifies Physical Fitness Tests for Drivers Amid Public Misunderstanding
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has cleared the air regarding mandatory physical fitness tests for drivers, stating that these tests are intended specifically for public service vehicle (PSV) and commercial drivers, not for all motorists.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Authority emphasized that although there has been widespread belief that the initiative is already in effect, the nationwide exercise has not yet been officially launched.
The clarification comes after confusion arose following a recent health initiative in Nairobi.
NTSA explained that while Section 105A of the Traffic Act (Cap 403) provides legal provisions for physical fitness requirements for drivers, the actual implementation of these tests on a national scale has not yet begun.
The Nairobi health event held on January 27, which attracted significant media attention, was mistakenly interpreted by some members of the public as the start of mandatory driver medical assessments.
According to NTSA, the Nairobi event, organised by ENA Coach in collaboration with medical partners, was a voluntary health initiative designed to promote driver wellness and not a formal enforcement of the physical fitness law.
The Authority clarified that similar voluntary health screening activities have been conducted in different parts of the country in the past, often supported by public transport operators, school transport providers, and both public and private organisations, all aiming to encourage good health among drivers.
The Authority further stated that the mandatory nationwide programme is still in the planning stages and is awaiting a comprehensive national framework.
In the meantime, NTSA has carried out health checks in partnership with various organisations as part of driver wellness efforts, but these are not a formal rollout of the law.
NTSA also revealed that it is collaborating closely with the Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) to develop a National Framework for Medical Assessment.
This framework will provide clear guidelines for standardised medical examinations for drivers, ensuring uniformity across the country and full compliance with occupational health standards.
Once finalised, it is expected to create a consistent system for evaluating the physical fitness of PSV and commercial drivers, helping enhance road safety nationwide.
The Authority assured the public, including motorists and transport operators, that any official introduction of mandatory physical fitness tests will be clearly communicated through formal Public Notices and NTSA’s verified communication channels.
This clarification was issued shortly after reports emerged suggesting that NTSA had started the first phase of a mandatory nationwide programme in Nairobi, focusing on driver eyesight tests aimed at reducing road accidents.
NTSA stressed that no such mandatory programme has been officially implemented yet, and the public should await formal announcements before assuming enforcement has begun.
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