Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a PSV license in Kenya. A public service vehicle (PSV) licence is a document of authorization issued by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to drivers who serve the public sector by offering transport services.
NTSA was established in 2012 by an Act of Parliament to restore sanity in the Kenyan transport industry. The functions of NTSA include; registering and licencing motor vehicles, implementing road safety strategies, creating policies to regulate the transport sector, and inspecting vehicles to ensure they are roadworthy.
Requirements for Applying a PSV License in Kenya
Following are the qualifications for obtaining a PSV License:
1. Drivers
- Must be 24 years and older
- Have four years of driving experience, in Kenya or abroad
- Driving license Class D endorsement
- A good conduct certificate from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI)
- Have a national ID
2. Matatu Conductors
- Be 18 years of age or older
- A certificate of good conduct from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI)
- Have a national ID
How to Apply for a PSV License in Kenya
PSV license is given to drivers and matatu conductors who meet the criteria put in place by the NTSA. To get a PSV license, one can make a physical or online application in the NTSA’s online self-service portal.
1. Log in to the official NTSA eCitizen website
2. After reading all the guidelines and instructions, click “Apply Now”
3. Click on “Create an account“, and you will be directed to another page
4. You will be directed to a new window where you will be required to submit your ID number, name, email address, and upload a passport-sized photo
5. Account creation is successful. You can now log in to access the NTSA portal
6. Go to the quick links section
7. Click on Driving License option and choose; PSV Driver application, PSV Conductor Application, Institution Driver Application form, or Taxi Driver Application form
8. From your selected form, fill it with your details, including driver’s license number, postal address, Sacco information, upload a certificate of good conduct, and state your PSV license collection point.
9. Click on Next to proceed to the payment section
10. Make the required payment of Ksh 1050 through your preferred means, such as M-PESA or a debit /credit card
11. Click on complete once you have made the payment
12. Confirm your payment, then click on submit and wait for review
If your application is approved, you can download and print your accredited form, take it to your PSV license collection point, and pick up your PSV license
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a PSV badge?
This is a badge given to drivers of commercial vehicles. It contains the name of the authority that has granted permission to drive a public service vehicle and an identification number.
2. What is a driving license?
This documentation allows the holder to operate various types of motor vehicles on the road.
3. How much does a PSV badge cost?
You must pay a fee of Ksh 1050 to proceed.
4. How long does PSV badge take?
After submitting your application, you will receive your badge within five working days.
5. Who requires a PSV license in Kenya?
Matatu, taxi and Uber drivers, institutional drivers, and truck drivers all require a PSV licence in Kenya. You can now carry out your PSV badge application online. The procedure is simple; follow the prompts and submit all required documents. If you have problems with your application, you can always contact NTSA or visit their offices.
NTSA Headquarters
Location: 316 Upper Hill Chambers, 2nd Ngong Avenue, Nairobi
NTSA Contacts
NTSA customer care helpline: 0709 932 000, 020 6632 000
NTSA email (general inquiries): info@ntsa.go.ke
Complaints email: complaints@ntsa.go.ke
Corruption reporting email: integrity@ntsa.go.ke