In a public notice, the authority announced a 24-month suspension on the licensing of new Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operators, while also halting the addition of new routes and extension of existing routes for 12 months.

“The Authority, in exercising its mandate under the NTSA Act, 2012 and the NTSA (Operation of Public Service Vehicles) Regulations, 2014, hereby issues a temporary moratorium on the licensing of new public transport operators (Saccos and Companies) for a period of 24 months,” NTSA said in the notice.

The authority further stated that there will be a freeze on the addition of new routes and existing route extension for a period of 12 months and the modification or reconfiguration of existing licensed routes including changes to pick and drop points for a period of 12 months.

NTSA attributed the move to persistent safety concerns and widespread non-compliance within the public transport sector.

According to the authority, the decision was necessitated by persistent non-compliance and road safety concerns within the sector and the proliferation of illegal operators who undercut regulated players by creating significant road safety risks, enabling insecurity, and engaging in unfair competition against licensed operators.

The regulator also cited its ongoing efforts to strengthen oversight of the sector.

“The Authority’s plan to strengthen oversight, enhance the transport management systems, and implement broader sector reforms” informed the decision, NTSA said.

It further noted that frequent route modifications had created instability in public transport operations.

The authority pointed to the modification of routes that has resulted in inconsistency and unreliable public transport services as another reason for the moratorium.

During the suspension period, NTSA said it will undertake a nationwide audit of road safety compliance and traffic management systems in consultation with stakeholders and county governments.

“During this period, the Authority, in consultation with relevant stakeholders and with the support of the County Governments, shall conduct a comprehensive audit of road safety compliance and traffic management,” the notice states.

The regulator added that it will assist existing operators to improve service standards and meet road safety requirements while working with county governments to redefine “consistent and profitable routes.”

NTSA clarified that no new applications for PSV operator licences will be accepted or processed during the moratorium.

“This decision applies to all prospective operators intending to be licensed by the Authority,” it said.

However, existing licensed operators will continue operating, provided they comply fully with safety, licensing and operational standards.

The moratorium takes effect from June 19, 2026, and prospective investors have been encouraged to use the period to submit memoranda and proposals aimed at improving road safety and the management of public transport in the country.

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Speaking on Monday during a Special Council Meeting of the National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ), Koome emphasized the urgent need for public cooperation, coordinated enforcement, and respect for the law to curb road carnage.

“Do not pay any bribe when arrested. There will be heightened monitoring of human rights violations,” Justice Koome said, highlighting that enforcement agencies will closely watch operations to ensure accountability and protect citizens’ rights.

The Chief Justice highlighted that risky road behaviour, particularly speeding, tends to spike during holiday travel.

“We note the risky road behaviour which includes speeding, and we were asking one another if, when going for celebrations during this season, we forget that where we are going, whether it is to celebrate in our rural homes or wherever, those destinations do not move, so that we speed away,” she said.

The warning comes amid a worrying rise in road traffic deaths, from 4,479 in 2024 to 4,682 in 2025, a 5% increase, as authorities anticipate heavier traffic, congestion, and a spike in accidents during the holiday season.

“Risky behaviour such as speeding, fatigue, overlapping, and drunk driving continues to claim lives unnecessarily. Most victims are often innocent pedestrians or motorists,” Koome added.

Koome called for collaboration across the justice system and among road users, stressing that public awareness and coordinated enforcement were critical to saving lives.

“We are asking for collaboration and awareness about our own safety when we set out for the festivities. For seamless coordination, we need to work together—all of us in the justice system,” she said.

The NCAJ, which brings together the National Police Service, ODPP, Judiciary, NTSA, Kenya Prisons Service, EACC, LSK, and other agencies, has outlined a comprehensive multi-agency plan to enhance road safety.

Central to this initiative is the deployment of mobile traffic courts that will operate on both physical and digital platforms to fast-track cases during the festive period.

“Those charged will quickly get in touch with their lawyers through this system,” Koome noted.

Authorities will also increase roadblocks and inspections for vehicles and motorbikes, particularly along high-risk corridors, to ensure compliance with roadworthiness standards.

Motorists are being warned against overlapping, speeding, and drunk driving, while the public is urged to report violations and emergencies via toll-free numbers 999, 911, and 112.

Justice Koome stressed that road safety is a collective responsibility.

“No single agency can address road carnage alone. We must collaborate as the justice system, civil society, and the public to save lives. Enforcement, public awareness, and coordination are critical,” she said.

The Chief Justice outlined that authorities will roll out diverse measures to enhance road safety and prevent traffic-related deaths, noting that many victims are often innocent pedestrians or motorists.

“We must put in place elaborate and diverse measures to enhance road safety and prevent traffic-related deaths. Most of the time, people are innocent, either as pedestrians or drivers and someone else causes the accident,” she said.

A key initiative is the deployment of mobile traffic courts, using both physical and digital platforms to fast-track traffic cases during the festive period.

“We will deploy mobile traffic courts using physical and digital means, with close collaboration. We will share this so that those who are charged can quickly get in touch with their lawyers,” Koome said.

The council also announced that EACC officers will be deployed along major highways to deter corruption, ensuring that no driver is tempted to offer a bribe, and that human rights violations are closely monitored.

Additionally, health agencies will provide standby ambulances for rapid response to accidents.

“The festive season is a time of celebration, but it should not be a time of tragedy on our roads. By following traffic rules, refusing to engage in corruption, and looking out for one another, Kenyans can reduce accidents, save lives, and ensure safer travel,” Koome concluded.

The NCAJ’s communiqué underlines that addressing road safety is a shared responsibility, reaffirming that legal, policy, and administrative reforms, alongside public cooperation, are essential to prevent traffic-related deaths and injuries during the festive season and beyond.

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