Kenya transporters call for improved driver welfare, compliance with labour laws
Security along the Northern Corridor and in countries such as the DRC and South Sudan was another issue raised by drivers.
The Kenya Transporters Association (KTA) has called for transporters to improve driver welfare and comply fully with Kenyan labour laws, saying drivers had raised concerns about low wages for foreign drivers, unequal enforcement of petroleum licensing rules, and insecurity along the Northern Corridor and in countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and South Sudan.
In a statement, KTA said drivers are at the very heart of the transport industry, describing them as custodians of assets worth millions of shillings and as key players in determining whether transport businesses succeed or fail.
More To Read
The association noted that it has been engaging with various driver groups to establish open channels of communication and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges they face, to enhance both driver welfare and the overall performance and integrity of the sector.
KTA highlighted that during these engagements, driver leaders had raised several issues. One concern was the employment of foreign drivers at wages below the legal minimum, often without statutory deductions for benefits.
"While employing foreign nationals is not unlawful, both employers and employees must comply with the Employment Act of Kenya (Section 26 ensures equal labour protections) as well as all other applicable labour laws. Furthermore, KTA members are bound by our Code of Conduct, which clearly requires full compliance with the laws of Kenya," the association said.
"KTA strongly encourages fair treatment of drivers and strict adherence to labour laws. This ensures a level playing field for all members, protects our industry from unnecessary legal battles, and strengthens trust between transporters, drivers, and regulators."
KTA said drivers had also noted unequal enforcement of petroleum licensing requirements.
Under the Petroleum Licensing Regulations, any driver handling petroleum products is required to hold a Petroleum Road Driver Certificate, but drivers reported that the rule is enforced strictly on Kenyan drivers while foreign drivers are often exempted, creating an unfair playing field.
The association further noted that drivers had raised concerns about non-compliance with minimum wage laws under the Regulations of Wages (General) (Amendment) Order 2024, warning that failure to comply exposes transporters to legal risks and could damage the reputation of the industry.
Security along the Northern Corridor and in countries such as the DRC and South Sudan was another issue raised by drivers.
"Drivers have raised concerns about insecurity along the Northern Corridor and in transit countries such as the DRC and South Sudan," the association said.
"We are taking up these issues aggressively with the police, other security stakeholders, and through diplomatic channels in the affected countries."
Top Stories Today
