New Bill seeks to give NTSA powers to license PSV conformity assessors

The National Transport and Safety Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2026, sponsored by Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi, proposes amendments to the National Transport and Safety Authority Act to establish a legal framework for conformity assessment of public service vehicles.

According to Parliament, the Bill seeks to regulate the licensing of conformity assessors, prescribe requirements that must be met before a licence is issued and outline the duties and obligations of both the NTSA and licensed assessors.

If enacted, the Bill would empower NTSA to register and license conformity assessors. The bill also bars an assessor from being linked to a person involved in the PSV sector.

A conformity assessor's licence would be valid for three years.

The Bill further proposes to give NTSA powers to prescribe criteria for conducting conformity assessments and conduct periodic audits to ensure compliance with the law.

After completing an assessment, the licensed assessor would also be required to submit a technical report to NTSA.

According to Murungi, the purpose of the bill is to rectify conflicts of interest within the industry, as PSV assessors had been carrying out assessments through the Kenya Association of Bus Manufacturers, whose membership includes owners of public service vehicles.

The bill was read for the first time at the Senate on September 15, 2026, and referred to the Standing Committee on Roads, Transportation and Housing.

The Committee has thus invited Kenyans to submit their views on the Bill before Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. The submissions can be delivered to Parliament, sent by post or emailed to the Senate Clerk, with a copy to the Standing Committee.