NTSA Launches Crackdown on 6 Public Transport Operators After Deadly Crashes

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has taken action against six public transport operators following a series of deadly accidents during the recent festive season. This crackdown, which includes suspensions and strict compliance orders, indicates a growing intolerance for negligence and regulatory failure within the industry. The authority cites a trifecta of grievous failures, including fatal accidents, disregard for the critical KS 2295:2023 standards, and blatant non-compliance with the foundational National Transport and Safety Authority (Operation of PSV Regulations, 2014). The most severe sanctions have been levied against Monna Comfort Sacco, Greenline Company Ltd, Naekana Route 134 Sacco Ltd, and Uwezo Coast Shuttle, whose operating licences have been suspended outright. Monna Comfort Sacco, linked to a fatal crash on the Eldoret–Webuye Road at Muhonje on 23 December 2025, must present its fleet of 19 vehicles for inspection in Nakuru. Greenline Company Ltd, involved in another fatal incident on the Nakuru–Nairobi Highway at Karai on 4 January, has been directed to present 33 vehicles at the Likoni inspection centre. Naekana Route 134 Sacco Ltd, whose crash occurred on the Mombasa–Nairobi Road at Konza on 2 January, bears the heaviest logistical burden, having been ordered to present all 128 of its vehicles for checks at either Likoni or Machakos. NTSA launches road safety operation to reduce accidents Use roadworthy matatus for safety, parents and learners urged Call to action: Enforce stricter measures to curb road carnage Most strikingly, Uwezo Coast Shuttle, responsible for a fatal crash on the Muhoroni–Londiani Road at Tunnel on 6 January, faces suspension not only for the tragedy but also for its outright defiance in failing to honour the Authority’s summons, a move that demonstrates a blatant disregard for regulatory oversight. Meanwhile, two other operators, The Guardian Coach Limited and Nanyuki Express Cab Services Ltd, have been granted a critical 21-day window to rectify grave shortcomings or face a similar fate. Their infractions, tied to crashes and systemic non-compliance, have triggered a sweeping set of corrective measures. These include mandatory functionality checks for speed limiters on dozens of vehicles—24 for Guardian Coach and a staggering 128 for Nanyuki Express—as well as full compliance inspections at designated government centres. Failure to fully comply within the allotted time will result in suspension of their licences. Across these companies, a total of over 90 drivers have had their specialised Public Service Vehicle endorsements cancelled and their licences suspended for 90 days. They have also been ordered to be immediately disengaged from all driving duties, a move that not only punishes individual recklessness but mandates a fundamental reset, requiring each driver to undergo a full re-test before they can operate a commercial vehicle again. This coordinated action sends a clear message that the era of lax adherence to safety standards is over. The Authority is now leveraging its mandate, specifically citing the KS 2295:2023 standards and the Operation of PSV Regulations, to demand accountability. It is clear that the root causes of accidents lie in unroadworthy vehicles, disabled safety technology such as speed governors, and improperly licensed or reckless drivers. This is why the NTSA views its decision as a warning to other matatu saccos and their drivers. It is high time they understand that the privilege of operating on the roads is inextricably linked to the solemn responsibility of safeguarding lives. The coming weeks, as companies scramble to meet their compliance deadlines, will be a true test of whether the industry is ready to embrace this new imperative for safety.