NTSA Unveils 3 New Requirements For Matatu Operators

An image of citizens getting services at NTSA offices
An image of citizens getting services at NTSA offices on February 17, 2019.
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NTSA

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has unveil a raft of new measures to govern the public transport industry even as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to bite.

In the latest requirements published on its website, matatu operators will be required to posses two certificates in order to resume daily operations.

First, the industry players will have to acquire the Covid-19 guidelines: public service transport operator clearance form and the Compliance certificate to Covid-19 regulations for public service transport operator certificate.

The clearance forms have to be duly filed by the NTSA as well as the Ministries of Health and Interior before the matatus can be allowed to operate on the roads.

Matatus at a bus stage. The PSVs were directed not to carry more than 50% of their capacity to adhere to social distancing regulations.
Matatus at a bus stage. The PSVs were directed not to carry more than 50% of their capacity to adhere to social distancing regulations.
Citizen Digital

The regulator also provided that operators had to renew the Covid-19 guidelines: public service transport operator clearance form after every 30 days.

"The applicant (operator) shall be required to resubmit the Covid-19 guidelines: public service transport operator clearance form with updated information for re-validation every 30 days, failure to which the compliance certificate to Covid-19 regulations for public service transport operator shall be revoked," read the NTSA statement.

The new guidelines are in addition to the owners possessing valid licenses and their vehicles fitted with proper sitting arrangements in line with the social distancing directives issued by the Ministry of Health.

In some counties like Murang'a, the implementation of the new guidelines have already kicked off with Tuesday, July 28, set as the deadline to comply.

How to apply for the clearance:

Here is how to apply for the two certificates available on the NTSA website.

  1. Download and print two copies of each document (Duplicate). One to be retained at the county commissioner's office and the other by the operator.
  2. Fill out all required information and provide documentation where necessary.
  3. Submit the documents for verification and approval by the county commissioner and county director of public health.

The new directives are aimed at curbing the spread of Coronavirus which has claimed 250 lives with 14,168 already infected.

NTSA officials pictured inspecting a matatu on the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway in December 2019
NTSA officials pictured inspecting a matatu on the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway in December 2019
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