The Ministry of Transport has evolved over time with changing responsibilities depending on changes in Government functions. At independence, it was known as the Ministry of Works, Communications and Power and it combined some of the current port folios of the current Ministries responsible to: energy, information and communications, roads and public works. The name transport was first assigned to the Ministry immediately after the 1979 general elections. The Ministry of Transport was created through a Presidential Circular No.1 of August 2006 to provide the necessary policy development and regulatory environment for the transport sector.

The Ministry of transport has four technical departments;

a) Maritime and shipping

b) Air Transport

c) Air Accidents Investigation

d) Motor Vehicle Inspection Unit. 

VISION 

"World class transportation systems that contribute to improved quality of life"

MISSION

"To facilitate accessible transportation services to spur socoi-economic growth and development."

OBJECITIVES OF THE MINISTRY

The objectives of the Ministry are to:

• Improve efficiency and sustainability of the existing facilities and ensure provision of adequate and cost effective services
• Enhance the operations and efficiency of transport services
• Revamp port infrastructure and improve delivery of services
• Increase the efficiency of air transport to conform with ICAO/FAA required levels

CORE FUNCTIONS OF THE MINISTRY

The Ministry of Transport is responsible for the Various core functions as detailed below:-

 POLICY FORMULATION

• To develop, review and oversee implementation of policies in the transport  sector.

DEVELOPMENT OF REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

The Ministry ensures development of regulatory framework, enforced through the following bodies:-
• Transport Licensing Board (TLB)
• Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA)
• Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA)

SERVICE DELIVERY OVERSIGHT

The Ministry oversees delivery of services by institutions in the sector through relevant legislations, policy direction and performance monitoring and evaluation.  The oversight covers the following State Corporations and Semi-Autonomous agencies:-

• Kenya Airports Authority (KAA)
• Kenya Ports Authority (KPA)
• Kenya Railways Corporation
• Kenya Railways Training School
• Kenya Ferry Services
• Kenya National Shipping Line
• Kenya Civil Aviation Authority
• East African School of Civil Aviation
• Motor Vehicle Inspection Unit
• National Road Safety Council
• Transport Licensing Board
• Registration and Insurance of Motor Vehicles
• Bandari College
• Kenya Maritime Authority

In addition, the Ministry offers Air Accident investigation Services through Air Accident Investigation Department and other support services.

POLICY PRIORITIES

1. Ministry Team Transformed
2. Systems and Processes improved and modernized
3. Transport Services improved and expanded through Private and Public Sector Participation and Collaboration