How to get a PSV badge in Kenya

If you want to drive a matatu, a school bus, a tour van or any other vehicle that carries paying passengers, a driving licence on its own is not enough. You also need a public service vehicle (PSV) badge from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA). This guide explains how to get one.

Fees, validity periods and requirements are set by NTSA and change. Confirm them on the NTSA portal before you apply, and never pay anyone who offers to get you a badge without the proper process.

Who needs a PSV badge?

Every driver of a public service vehicle: matatus, buses, school buses, tour and safari vans, and staff vans that carry passengers for hire. Many employers, including schools, tour companies and transport SACCOs, will not interview a driver for these jobs without a valid badge.

What do you need before you apply?

• A valid driving licence with the class for the vehicle you will drive, usually a D sub-class. Our guide to driving licence classes explains which.
• Your national ID card.
• A valid certificate of good conduct from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
• Any other documents the portal asks for at the time you apply.

A police record with an outstanding matter can lead NTSA to refuse a badge, so sort out anything on your record first.

How do you apply for a PSV badge?

Applications are made online through the NTSA portal. You log in, choose the PSV badge application under your driving licence services, upload the documents, pay the fee shown and choose the NTSA office where you will collect the badge. Once it is approved, you collect it from that office.

How long is a PSV badge valid?

Badges are issued for a fixed period and must be renewed. Check the expiry date on your badge and renew before it runs out. Driving a PSV with an expired badge can cost you your job and lead to a fine.

What do PSV employers look for?

• A valid badge and licence class, both in date.
• A clean driving record and a good conduct certificate.
• Experience on the route or the kind of vehicle, for example long-distance buses or school runs.
• Good conduct with passengers: punctuality, patience and respect for traffic rules.
• For school buses, a calm, careful driving style and experience with children.

What should you do once you have your badge?

Add your badge to your CV next to your licence classes, keep a copy with your documents, and set a reminder for the renewal date. Then browse PSV and bus driver jobs and prepare with our driver interview questions.