Public Service Vehicle drivers will be required to undergo fresh skills testing under a new Bill that seeks to promote safer and more inclusive public transport, especially for persons with disabilities.

The Traffic Laws (Universal Design) (Amendment) Bill, 2025, proposes that all PSV driver license applicants be tested on customer care, first aid, emergency response, and defensive driving skills.

The Bill, sponsored by nominated Senator Crystal Asige, has already been published and is awaiting its first reading in the Senate.

“The Bill amends the Traffic Act (Cap 407) to provide for testing of specific skills in persons applying for licenses to drive public service vehicles,” the draft law states.

“Where an applicant applies for a license to drive a public service vehicle, the authority shall, in addition to the driving test administered, test the applicant’s knowledge of basic customer care principles, first aid skills and emergency response procedures and defensive driving skills.”

The Bill introduces the concept of universal design in transport, infrastructure and buildings—ensuring they are accessible and usable by all people, regardless of age, size, ability or disability.

“Universal design means the design and composition of buildings, roads, technologies, products or services in a way they can be accessed, understood and used to the greatest extent possible by all people, without the need for adaptation or specialized design,” it explains.

The Bill further mandates that matatus have designated seats for persons with disabilities and that drivers must stop to give way to such passengers. It also proposes controlled noise levels inside PSVs to support those who rely on sound to communicate or navigate.

“The amendments to the National Transport Authority Act aim to ensure accessibility and ease of use of public transport by persons with disability,” the Bill reads.

To encourage modern systems, the law gives the Cabinet Secretary power to introduce incentives for operators who adopt cashless fare systems.

The Bill amends four key laws: the Traffic Act, the Kenya Roads Act, the National Transport and Safety Authority Act, and the National Construction Authority Act. It requires the highways authority to install traffic signs that are simple and accessible to all road users, including those with disabilities.

It also directs the roads authority to create dedicated non-motorised transport lanes for pedestrians, cyclists and wheelchair users. The fine for misuse of these lanes will increase from Sh30,000 to Sh50,000.

On buildings, the Bill amends section 5 of the NCA Act to ensure that structures are designed for continuous access and use by persons with disabilities.

“Without prejudice to the generality, the Authority shall ensure all buildings—are accessible by a person with a disability; and have parking spaces reserved at least two parking spaces or five per cent of all the parking spaces, whichever is more, to persons with disability,” the Bill says.

The Bill also requires that essential facilities like lifts, washrooms and walkways be made easily accessible.