NTSA Suspends Four Matatu SACCOs Over Safety Violations
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has taken firm action against four public service vehicle (PSV) operators by suspending their operating licences, following a series of fatal road accidents reported during the December 2025 festive season.
In a statement released on Monday, January 19, NTSA said the decision was reached after investigations revealed serious safety breaches by the affected long-distance transport companies.
The authority explained that the suspensions are part of its mandate to improve road safety and protect passengers across the country.
According to NTSA, the affected operators failed to comply with key safety standards, including the requirements of KS 2295:2023 and several provisions outlined under the National Transport and Safety Authority (Operation of PSV) Regulations, 2014.
“The Authority, in undertaking its mandate, 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 KS 2295:2023 requirements, and non-compliance with various NTSA regulations,” the statement read.
The SACCOs whose licences have been suspended include Monna Comfort Sacco, Greenline Company, Naekana Route 134 Sacco Limited, and Uwezo Coast Sacco. As a result of the suspension, more than 180 matatus operated by these companies have been taken off the road with immediate effect.
At the same time, NTSA issued a strict 21-day compliance notice to two other operators—The Guardian Coach Limited and Nanyuki Express Cab Services Limited.
During this period, the two companies are expected to address outstanding safety concerns or risk further enforcement action.
NTSA directed the two SACCOs to disengage drivers who were found to have engaged in speeding during the festive season.
Specifically, Guardian Coach Limited has been ordered to disengage 18 drivers, while Nanyuki Express Cab Services Limited must disengage 26 drivers linked to traffic violations.
The authority noted that all six SACCOs failed to meet several safety conditions that had been put in place to enhance road safety during the busy holiday period. These included compliance with KS 2295:2023 standards and adherence to the NTSA (Operation of PSV Regulations, 2014).
Before any suspended licence can be reinstated, NTSA stated that a comprehensive safety compliance audit will be conducted on the affected operators. Only those that fully meet the required standards will be allowed back on the road.
Traffic police officers across the country have also been instructed to impound any vehicle belonging to the suspended SACCOs if found operating during the suspension period.
NTSA further warned members of the public against boarding vehicles operated by the affected companies, stressing that the move is aimed at safeguarding passengers and ensuring strict compliance with road safety regulations.
“To this end, members of the public are advised not to board vehicles belonging to the suspended SACCOs or companies. This measure reflects our unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards of passenger safety and overall road safety,” NTSA stated.
As part of the compliance process, the SACCOs will be required to present all vehicles found with defects—such as faulty or tampered speed limiters—for inspection at designated vehicle inspection centres. They must then submit detailed compliance reports to NTSA.
Additional requirements include submitting signed employment contracts for drivers and other staff, providing a comprehensive report outlining their compliance status, challenges faced, and steps taken to improve safety. The SACCOs must also conduct road safety sensitisation programmes for all their drivers.
Night Operation Requirements
For operators seeking approval to resume night travel, NTSA has outlined further conditions that must be met.
These include presenting valid authorisation for night operations, proof of effective fatigue management systems for drivers, updated fleet management systems, and verifiable passenger manifests for long-distance routes.
Other requirements include setting up functional offices at both pick-up and drop-off points to improve passenger handling, as well as establishing clear internal operational manuals to guide daily operations and safety procedures.
NTSA reiterated that these measures are aimed at restoring discipline within the public transport sector and reducing the number of accidents caused by negligence and non-compliance with safety regulations.
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