NAIROBI, Kenya — The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has directed motorcycle assemblers in Kenya to issue standard-compliant helmets with every new motorcycle sold, as the government steps up efforts to reduce deaths and injuries involving riders and pillion passengers.
NTSA Director General Nashon Kondiwa issued the directive on Tuesday, September 8, urging motorcycle assemblers to take a more active role in improving road safety and preventing crashes.
The authority said properly certified helmets can help reduce the severity of injuries and lower fatalities among motorcycle users.
“The role of motorcycle assemblers in supporting road safety awareness programmes and in issuing standard helmets, measures that have the potential to reduce fatalities and injuries among riders and pillion passengers,” NTSA said in a statement following a meeting with the Motorcycle Assemblers Association of Kenya (MAAK).
Kondiwa also urged assemblers to work more closely with NTSA on road safety initiatives as the number of motorcycle-related deaths remains a major concern.
NTSA targets motorcycle-related deaths
Motorcycle users continue to account for a significant proportion of road deaths in Kenya, with boda boda operators and their passengers particularly exposed to serious injuries during crashes.
Data reported in December showed that 1,148 motorcyclists and 432 pillion passengers died in road crashes in 2025.
The figures underscore the risks faced by people who depend on motorcycles for transport and livelihoods, particularly in areas where boda boda services form a major part of the public transport network.
NTSA said reducing the death toll would require cooperation between regulators and industry players rather than relying solely on enforcement after motorcycles and riders are already on the road.
The authority is therefore seeking greater involvement from assemblers in safety awareness and preventive measures.
Assemblers urged to promote road safety
The directive places motorcycle manufacturers and assemblers closer to the beginning of the road-safety chain.
By providing compliant helmets when motorcycles are sold, assemblers can help ensure that new motorcycle owners have access to basic protective equipment from the outset.
NTSA’s engagement with MAAK is also expected to strengthen collaboration on road safety campaigns and other preventive initiatives.
The authority’s approach reflects the wider need to combine enforcement with measures that encourage safer riding practices and improve access to appropriate safety equipment.
For riders, helmets remain one of the most important forms of protection against serious head injuries in the event of a crash.
NTSA issues school transport safety directive
Separately, NTSA has directed school administrators and transporters to ensure that vehicles used to transport learners have the required safety and operating documents.
The authority said all school transport vehicles should have a valid inspection certificate, Road Service Licence (RSL) and insurance.
“All school administrators and transporters are reminded to ensure their vehicles have a valid inspection certificate, RSL and insurance,” NTSA said.
The directive comes amid increased scrutiny of road safety involving school transport and follows a series of recent crashes that have raised concerns over the safety of road users.
NTSA is seeking to ensure that vehicles transporting learners meet the necessary regulatory and safety requirements before operating.
Recent crashes raise safety concerns
The directives were issued against the backdrop of several deadly road crashes reported in recent days.
On Tuesday, two people were reportedly killed in a crash involving two public service vehicles and a motorcycle in Kisumu.
Four days earlier, at least eight people died along Mombasa Road in a night-time collision involving a PSV and a saloon car.
The crashes have renewed concerns over road safety and the need for motorists, public transport operators and other road users to comply with traffic regulations.
While individual crashes can have different causes, NTSA’s latest measures focus on strengthening preventive safeguards and ensuring vehicles operating in public and school transport meet the required standards.
