NAIROBI, Kenya — The Senate has annulled three controversial National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) regulations, blocking their implementation and handing motorists, school transport operators and commercial vehicle owners a significant reprieve.
The decision followed the Senate’s adoption of a report by the Select Committee on Delegated Legislation, which recommended that the regulations be revoked under Section 18 of the Statutory Instruments Act.
The annulled legal instruments are:
- The Traffic (School Transport) Rules, 2026
- The Traffic (Motor Vehicle Inspection) Rules, 2026
- The National Transport and Safety Authority (Operation of Commercial Vehicles) Regulations, 2026
Why the Senate Annulled the Rules
The committee found that the three statutory instruments should not remain in force, prompting the Senate to formally annul them.
The regulations had proposed far-reaching changes to Kenya’s transport sector, including tighter requirements for school transport, revised vehicle inspection procedures and new operational standards for commercial vehicles.
Annual Vehicle Inspection Requirement Blocked
Among the most contentious proposals was a requirement for annual inspections of all vehicles, including privately owned cars that are more than four years old.
The inspections were to cost between Sh1,000 and Sh2,000 per vehicle.
NTSA had defended the regulations, saying they were intended to improve road safety by ensuring only roadworthy vehicles operate on Kenyan roads and by strengthening compliance among transport operators.
However, motorists and industry stakeholders argued that the new rules would significantly increase the cost of owning and operating vehicles.
Relief for Motorists and Transport Operators
With the Senate’s decision, the affected regulations can no longer be enforced.
The move provides immediate relief to:
- Private motorists.
- Matatu operators.
- School transport providers.
- Commercial vehicle owners.
The annulment also opens the door for the government to review the regulations, address stakeholders’ concerns and, if necessary, introduce revised rules through the prescribed legislative approval process.
Motorists Association Welcomes Decision
The Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) welcomed the Senate’s decision, describing it as a major victory for Kenyan motorists.
The association said the outcome sends a clear message that transport policies must be grounded in evidence, engineering standards and constitutional principles.
“These gazetted notices were heavily prejudicial to vehicle owners across private, commercial, and school bus categories,” the association said.
MAK further argued that road safety reforms should be developed through proper public participation and supported by credible data to ensure they are both effective and fair.