DCI probes corruption allegations in NTSA driver testing process

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has launched a probe into allegations of corruption within the driver testing process at the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).

The probe follows complaints and whistle-blower reports implicating some NTSA officials in alleged improprieties.

According to documents seen by this publication, concerns about bribery and malpractice within the driver licensing system first emerged in April 2025 when NTSA issued a warning letter to all driving school operators and instructors.

The letter, signed by the Authority’s Director of Road Safety, cautioned against what it described as a growing culture of offering “appreciation” payments to examiners during driver testing.

 The Authority stated that such practices posed a serious threat to road safety. 

Responding to corruption allegations, NTSA Director General George Njao said the Authority has adopted a zero-tolerance policy to corruption in its service delivery.

He noted that the specific matter is under investigation and therefore cannot be commented on at this stage.

"The Authority engages driving schools and instructors on various issues and in this regard, we humbly request you to share with us the memo you are referring to for our perusal. This will help the Authority respond to the questions," Njao said.

The DCI became involved after allegations were circulated anonymously, linking a senior NTSA officer to bribery claims.

The officer later wrote to the DCI on September 6, 2025, complaining of what was termed as malicious targeting.

The official said the anonymous allegations were defamatory, damaged the reputation, and were linked to internal sabotage. The officer denied any wrongdoing and sought the intervention of investigators.

Two days later, DCI officers arrested three NTSA staff members on charges of publishing false information.

Those arrested included a manager based at NTSA headquarters and two examiners working at a Nairobi office.

They were booked at Kabete Police Station and later released on cash bail of Sh100,000 each. Their work gadgets, issued by NTSA, were seized as part of the investigations.

Following the arrests, the NTSA Director General wrote to the DCI requesting an update on the investigations. The Director General also sought clarification on the return of the seized gadgets, noting they contained official data and were needed for ongoing duties.

The three officials were expected to appear in court but were informed that their file was not ready. Their bail terms were extended to October 28, 2025, with instructions to collect their gadgets from Kabete Police Station.

Meanwhile, NTSA maintains that corruption within the driver testing process, where alleged bribes are collected from learners and passed on to examiners, undermines road safety and public trust.

In its earlier advisory, the Authority warned that it would take firm administrative and legal action against any operators, instructors, or examiners found engaging in such practices.

The DCI is continuing with investigations to establish the authenticity of the claims and determine the next course of action.