NTSA to Introduce Mandatory Health Tests for Drivers & Digital Tracking

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has announced new measures aimed at reducing road accidents across the country, with a major focus on driver health and the use of modern technology.

In a statement released on Tuesday, March 31, the authority said all drivers—especially those operating Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) and commercial vehicles—will now be required to undergo regular medical check-ups.

Mandatory Health Checks for Drivers

According to NTSA, the medical tests will help identify conditions that can affect safe driving. These include poor eyesight, hearing problems, fatigue-related illnesses, and chronic diseases such as diabetes.

The authority noted that many adults suffer from vision problems and other health issues that can slow reaction time and increase the risk of accidents on the road.

Rest Areas for Long-Distance Drivers

To further improve safety, NTSA also revealed plans to set up designated resting points along major highways, including the busy Northern Corridor.

These rest areas will give long-distance drivers enough time to relax and avoid fatigue, which is one of the leading causes of road crashes in Kenya.

Digital Monitoring of Drivers

In a major shift, NTSA will introduce advanced digital systems to monitor drivers in real time. These systems will track:

Speed
Braking habits
Driver alertness
Compliance with traffic rules

The authority plans to use technologies such as GPS tracking, dashboard cameras, and telematics to collect this data.

All vehicles will be required to install approved devices that will send information to the NTSA’s central system. This will help detect dangerous driving behaviour early and prevent accidents before they happen.

New System to Improve Road Safety

NTSA said the new changes are part of a “Safe System Approach,” which accepts that human beings can make mistakes while driving.

The goal is to create a system that reduces the chances of accidents and minimizes injuries when crashes occur.

The authority also plans to combine this data with its existing records to build detailed driver profiles, making it easier to enforce traffic laws and hold drivers accountable.

Rising Concern Over Road Accidents

NTSA has raised concern over the increasing number of accidents involving commercial vehicles.

According to its 2025 road safety report, commercial vehicles were involved in over 1,000 accidents in 2024, highlighting the need for stricter measures.

The authority believes the new rules will help reduce accidents caused by fatigue, health issues, and reckless driving.