Seven-seaters get temporary green light for long-haul trips

The Ministry of Works and Transport has introduced 14-day temporary permits for long-distance seven-seaters to resolve permit backlogs and stop drivers from receiving frequent fines.

The announcement comes after a meeting between the ministry and the Seven-Seaters Association to address fines being issued to seven-seater drivers because of long-distance drivers travelling without transport permits.

Minister of works and transport Veikko Nekundi says the applications of all public passenger transport operators whose permit applications were submitted before August 2025 have been finalised and they are required to collect them.

“However, a number of applicants are not picking up these permits, and that is challenging,” the minister says.

To address the delay of new applications, Nekundi says operators can now apply for renewable 14-day temporary permits while permanent applications are being processed.

“The law makes provision for a temporary permit to be issued for 14 days, and while applications are being processed, applicants can apply for a temporary permit which will be issued on the spot,” he says.

Nekundi says the ministry is drafting amendments to the current legislation to reduce the permanent permit processing time from four to six months to between seven and 14 days.

“We want to shorten this period once we finalise the bill we want to take to parliament,” he says.

As part of administrative reforms, Nekundi says operators can now submit permit applications at any National Traffic Information System (Natis) office countrywide.

“Once we sort out the administrative issues, we will issue a public notice on how we are going to operationalise this approach,” he says.

Nekundi says operators have raised concerns over fines for operating without permits and adds that such enforcement is lawful and necessary.

“Once you are issued a ticket for transporting without a permit, you must cease doing the transportation of passengers,” he says.

Nekundi says speeding affects all modes of transport, and the government introduced measures such as dash cameras, drones, and live cameras at high-risk sections to curb reckless driving.

“These measures are aimed at capping accidents and improving safety on our national roads,” he says.

Pablo Benjamin, a member of the Seven-Seaters Association, says the decision would benefit young people seeking employment in the transport sector.

He says engaging with the ministry was productive and important for drivers.

“Today we had a good, productive meeting with the minister and all other stakeholders, where we discussed the issue of permits and tickets drivers are facing daily,” he says.

Benjamin says the move is a positive step for the sector and a practical solution for employment challenges.

“These changes mean that young drivers can now operate without fear of being penalised while waiting for permanent permits. It’s a big relief and a chance for us to contribute to the economy.”

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