The National Transport and Safety Authority has rolled out mandatory eye tests for drivers in a bid to reduce the number of accidents caused by poor eyesight. The exercise, which is being done in phases, kicked off in Nairobi County on Tuesday, with over 200 drivers undergoing the tests on the first day.
This comes at a time when the country is witnessing a tragic start to the year 2026, with over 40 people dying in road accidents in just the first 20 days of this year. The Authority believes that poor eyesight, particularly at night, is one of the major causes of accidents, particularly on long routes.
“Clear vision is not just a driver’s requirement, it is a lifesaver. These tests will help us identify drivers who may be at risk of causing accidents,” said an NTSA official during the launch of the exercise in Nairobi.
According to NTSA statistics, a total of 4,458 people died in road accidents in 2025, representing a 4.5 percent increase compared to the 4,311 fatalities recorded in 2024. The statistics revealed that pedestrians were the leading victims of road accidents in 2025, with a total of 1,685 deaths, followed by motorcyclists with 1,148, passengers with 723, and drivers with 403 fatalities. The highest number of fatalities was recorded in Nairobi County, with a total of 447, followed by Kiambu with 387, and Nakuru with 318 fatalities.
NTSA has also in the past cited speeding, drunken driving, driver fatigue, and failure to comply with road regulations as causes of accidents. According to the NTSA officials, driving at night is especially hazardous due to poor visibility.
This eye test drive is part of the NTSA’s efforts to enhance road safety in the country. Drivers whose licenses have been suspended are now required to undergo mandatory training before they are allowed back on the road. The NTSA has also made medical tests for drivers more rigorous, especially during its recent operations, including the major operation in June 2023.
The NTSA is also reminded of the 2017 ban on night driving by long-distance public service vehicles, which was made after the Migaa accident that killed 31 people. Although the ban was lifted by the High Court in 2018, the NTSA is still emphasizing the importance of fitness while driving.
Currently, Nairobi drivers are leading the pack, queuing up for the free eye tests that the NTSA is hoping will lead to safer roads in the country. The NTSA is planning to roll out the eye test drive in other counties soon, ensuring that all drivers are fit enough to drive on the country’s roads.
“Every life saved on the road counts,” the NTSA said.