NTSA Suspends Four PSV Operators Over Festive Season Accidents
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has suspended the operating licences of four long-distance public service vehicle (PSV) operators following a surge in fatal road accidents recorded during the December 2025 festive season.
In a statement issued on Monday, January 19, the Authority said the action was taken after investigations linked the operators to serious safety violations, including non-compliance with mandatory operational standards and regulations designed to enhance road safety during peak travel periods.
“In undertaking its mandate, the Authority has resolved to suspend the operating licences of four public transport operators following reports of fatal crashes during the December 2025 festive season, failure to adhere to the requirements of KS 2295-2023 and non-compliance with various provisions of the NTSA (Operation of PSV) Regulations, 2014,” NTSA said.
The suspended operators are Monna Comfort Sacco, Greenline Company, Naekana Route 134 Sacco Limited, and Uwezo Coast Sacco. The suspension affects more than 180 matatus operating under the four entities, effectively grounding their fleets until further notice.
At the same time, NTSA issued a 21-day compliance ultimatum to two additional operators—The Guardian Coach Limited and Nanyuki Express Cab Services Limited—after identifying repeated breaches of safety regulations during the festive period. The two companies have been directed to disengage drivers found to have engaged in speeding and other risky conduct.
According to NTSA, The Guardian Coach Limited must disengage 18 drivers, while Nanyuki Express Cab Services Limited is required to disengage 26 drivers within the stipulated period. Failure to comply could result in further regulatory action, including suspension.
The Authority said the six operators had failed to meet critical safety requirements outlined under KS 2295-2023, the standard governing public road transport operations, as well as provisions of the NTSA (Operation of PSV) Regulations, 2014. These measures were reinforced ahead of the festive season to curb reckless driving and reduce road carnage.
Before any suspended licence is reinstated, NTSA said it will conduct comprehensive safety compliance audits on the affected operators. These audits will assess vehicle roadworthiness, driver qualifications, operational systems, and overall adherence to safety standards.
“Officers from the Traffic Department have been advised to impound any vehicle belonging to the suspended Saccos or companies that will be found operating during the suspension period,” the Authority warned.
NTSA further urged members of the public to exercise caution when choosing transport, cautioning against boarding vehicles belonging to the suspended operators.
“Members of the public are hereby advised not to board vehicles belonging to the suspended Saccos and companies, as this measure is part of our unwavering commitment to ensuring the highest standards of passenger safety and road safety compliance,” the statement added.
To regain compliance, the affected operators will be required to present all vehicles found with defects—such as faulty speed limiters—for inspection at designated vehicle inspection centres. They must also submit detailed compliance reports, signed employment contracts for drivers and staff, and documentation outlining corrective measures taken to enhance safety.
Additional requirements include conducting road safety sensitisation programmes for all drivers and submitting evidence of functional fleet management systems.
For operators seeking approval to conduct night operations, NTSA said they must provide valid authorisation, proof of fatigue management systems, verifiable passenger manifests for long-distance routes, and evidence of established offices at pick-up and drop-off points.
The crackdown comes amid renewed calls for stricter enforcement of traffic laws following a spike in road fatalities during the holiday season, with authorities reiterating their commitment to holding operators accountable for passenger safety.
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NTSA Suspends Four PSV Operators Over Festive Season Accidents
