The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has announced a major change to the driving licence renewal process for motorists aged 60 years and above.
Speaking on Thursday, December 18, during an interview on Radio Generation, NTSA’s Manager for Road Safety Programmes, Samuel Musumba, stated that drivers who have reached the age of 60 will now be required to renew their licences every year, instead of the current three-year cycle.
“Within the new curriculum for drivers, once you hit 60 years, you will be required to renew your licence every year and not every three years,” Musumba said.
Under the new system, motorists in this age bracket must also submit a medical assessment report as part of the licence renewal process. NTSA clarified that the measure is not intended to invade personal privacy but is aimed at ensuring road safety for all.
“As you renew every year, we will be asking you for a medical report. It is not about knowing what you are going through, but it will be a report just like any other,” Musumba explained. “We will be looking at this from a safety point of view. We will advise you and say that now that you are 60 years old, avoid speed, and plan your journey early.”
The move forms part of NTSA’s broader long-term strategy to improve road safety in Kenya. It seeks to address risks associated with ageing drivers while providing guidance to help them continue driving safely.
However, the proposal has not yet been forwarded to Parliament. For it to become law, it must undergo parliamentary approval and public participation, which will formally make the annual renewal requirement mandatory for all drivers aged 60 and above.
NTSA urged the public to prepare for the change and encouraged elderly drivers to embrace the new rules as part of efforts to enhance safety on Kenya’s roads.