NTSA Revokes Nicco Movers Licence, Orders Immediate Suspension of Operations After KMTC Student’s Death
In a directive issued on Friday, June 12, NTSA Director General Nashon Kondiwa announced that the Sacco would no longer be permitted to operate, citing serious safety concerns, management failures, and findings that some of its vehicles pose a danger to road users.
“The Authority has resolved to revoke Nicco Movers 1 Sacco’s operator licence and to cease operation with immediate effect,” the notice stated.
The regulator further instructed law enforcement officers across the country to impound any vehicles operating under the Sacco should they be found on the roads in defiance of the suspension order.
The dramatic action follows the death of 19-year-old KMTC student Eugene Mutuku, whose alleged encounter with a Nicco Movers matatu has triggered public anger and renewed scrutiny of passenger safety standards within Kenya’s public transport sector.
According to preliminary investigations, Mutuku was involved in a dispute over fare payment while travelling aboard a matatu operated by the Sacco on June 4, 2026. Authorities say the disagreement escalated, leading to allegations that the student was assaulted before being thrown out of the moving vehicle.
Reports further indicate that the vehicle did not stop after the incident and allegedly ran over the student, causing severe injuries.
Mutuku was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital for emergency treatment but later succumbed to multiple injuries and internal bleeding.
His death ignited widespread condemnation from the public, student leaders, and road safety advocates, many of whom called for swift action against those responsible.
Following the incident, NTSA launched a comprehensive investigation into the operations of Nicco Movers 1 Sacco to determine whether systemic failures within the organization contributed to the tragedy.
According to the Authority, the findings revealed significant weaknesses in the Sacco’s management and operational oversight.
Investigators further found that the Sacco had not demonstrated sufficient commitment to addressing long-standing safety concerns despite operating one of the busiest commuter transport networks along the Thika Superhighway corridor.
However, NTSA now says several vehicles operating under the Sacco failed to meet acceptable safety standards.
“We also note that vehicles operating under the Sacco are unsafe and pose a danger to road users,” the Authority stated.
The investigation has also led to criminal proceedings against some officials linked to the Sacco.
Two operations managers have already been arrested and arraigned in court. They face charges including being accessories to a felony, concealing evidence, and allegedly aiding the escape of the matatu crew suspected to have been involved in the incident.
Authorities believe the arrests represent a significant step in ensuring accountability and justice for the victim and his family.
The suspension also highlights growing concerns about discipline within the public transport sector, where cases involving reckless driving, passenger harassment, and violations of traffic regulations continue to be reported.
As investigations continue, NTSA has vowed to strengthen enforcement measures against operators found to be violating safety regulations.
The Authority has also urged commuters to report cases of misconduct involving public service vehicles, emphasizing that passenger safety remains a top priority.
For the family of Eugene Mutuku, however, the suspension marks only the beginning of a search for justice following a tragedy that has shocked the nation and reignited calls for reforms within Kenya’s matatu industry.
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NTSA Revokes Nicco Movers Licence, Orders Immediate Suspension of Operations After KMTC Student’s Death
