By Robai Ludenyi
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has launched a nationwide training programme targeting public service vehicle (PSV) operators as part of efforts to improve road safety and raise standards in the public transport sector.
The programme will train more than 4,000 PSV drivers, Sacco managers, supervisors and other operators across the country. The training began on Monday in Taita Taveta, Mombasa and Garissa counties, with NTSA planning to extend the programme to other parts of the country.
The authority says the programme is designed to give PSV operators practical knowledge that can help them provide safer and more professional services to passengers. Among the areas covered during the training are defensive driving, identifying and preventing road hazards, vehicle safety checks, passenger care and compliance with traffic laws.
Drivers will also be trained on how to respond to different situations on the road and take greater responsibility for the safety of passengers and other road users. NTSA said the programme also targets Sacco managers and supervisors because their role goes beyond managing daily operations. They are responsible for ensuring drivers follow safety requirements and
that vehicles operating under their Saccos meet the required standards.
By improving the skills and knowledge of drivers and those managing PSV operations, NTSA hopes to encourage better driving habits and reduce road crashes. The authority has also emphasised the importance of regular vehicle checks. Operators are expected to ensure their vehicles are in good condition before putting them on the road.
For passengers, the programme is expected to contribute to safer journeys and better treatment when using public transport.
NTSA says the training will continue across the country as it works with PSV operators to improve service delivery and strengthen compliance with transport safety regulations.
The authority is encouraging drivers, Sacco officials and other targeted PSV operators to take the training seriously and apply the lessons in their daily work.
The nationwide programme is therefore aimed not only at improving the skills of individual drivers but also at creating a safer and more organised public transport sector for both passengers and other road users.