License a matatu or other PSV (road service licence)
National Transport and Safety Authority · sources read 30 Sep 2026
A matatu must run under a licensed Sacco or company, which applies for the road service licence (RSL) on the NTSA Service Portal. The fee depends on seats, from KSh 2,750 to KSh 4,250.
- Fee
- KSh 2,750RSL, 7 passengersKSh 3,250RSL, 8-18 passengersKSh 3,750RSL, 19-25 passengersKSh 4,250RSL, 26 and above passengers
- How long
- 1 working day
- Where
- Online on the NTSA Service Portal (eCitizen login), through your Sacco or company's organisation account
What you need
- Logbook (proof of ownership), or your contract with the Sacco or company
- A valid NTSA inspection (roadworthiness) certificate for the vehicle
- Current third-party insurance
- Each driver's driving licence, ID card and certificate of good conduct
- A photo of the front of the vehicle (JPEG)
Steps
- Join a licensed Sacco or company. It is the licence holder you operate under.
- Get the vehicle inspected by NTSA and insured.
- The Sacco logs in with eCitizen, opens the NTSA Service Portal (New) and switches to its organisation account.
- Enter the registration number, choose the RSL type, upload the front photo, fill in the details, pay and submit.
- Once approved, download and print the RSL from application history.
Watch out
- From 19 June 2026, NTSA is not licensing new Saccos or companies for 24 months. Join one that is already licensed.
- You can't move a vehicle to another Sacco or company without NTSA approval.
- Keep the NTSA-approved sticker on the vehicle where it can be clearly seen.
Who can apply
- PSV owners who are members of a licensed Sacco or company. You can't license a matatu on your own.
Official sources (5)
- Application for Road Service Licence ntsa.go.ke · read 30 Sep 2026
- NTSA Citizen Service Delivery Charter (English, 2026) ntsa.go.ke · read 30 Sep 2026
- The National Transport and Safety Authority (Operation of Public Service Vehicles) Regulations, 2014 (L.N. 23 of 2014) new.kenyalaw.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Temporary moratorium on licensing of new public service transport operators ntsa.go.ke · read 30 Sep 2026
- NTSA Service Portal serviceportal.ntsa.go.ke · read 30 Sep 2026