Kenyans, including motorists, have been given 14 days to submit their views on proposed rules seeking to regulate the assessment of Public Service Vehicles (PSVs), including matatus.The Senate Standing Committee on Roads and Transportation on Thursday, September 24, called on Kenyans to submit written views on the National Transport and Safety Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2026.The proposed law seeks to amend the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) Act to establish a framework for regulating public service vehicle conformity assessors.Under the Bill, NTSA will henceforth have the power to register and license inspectors who check whether public service vehicle bodies meet the required technical standards.Currently, the Kenya Association of Bus Manufacturers handles safety and conformity assessments for PSVs, a structure Parliament says creates a conflict of interest.The proposed rules will now require an assessor to obtain a licence from NTSA before carrying out conformity assessments on PSVs within Kenya.NTSA will also be required to ensure that an assessor seeking a licence is not involved in the design, manufacture, supply, installation, purchase, ownership or maintenance of the vehicles being inspected.The Bill further proposes that NTSA prescribe the criteria for conducting conformity assessments and designate assessors to inspect public service vehicles every three years.It also gives NTSA a role in conducting periodic audits of licensed conformity assessors to ensure compliance with the law.The Bill notes that there is currently no legal provision that regulates the assessment of public service vehicles, leaving a gap in the rules governing how such vehicles are inspected and approved.Kenyans, including matatu operators, were urged to submit their views on the proposed law by Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 5 pm, giving them two weeks to review the Bill.“The committee is required, under Standing Order 145(5) of the Senate Standing Orders, to facilitate public participation on the Bill and to take into account the views and recommendations of the public,” the notice stated.Those wishing to submit their views can deliver them to the Clerk of the Senate at the Parliament Buildings in Nairobi or send them directly by email.
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