NTSA suspends 121 PSVs for violating safety regulations

National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has suspended 121 public service vehicle (PSV) saccos for violating safety regulations.

NTSA Director General, George Njao, in a statement on Friday, highlighted safety concerns and urged Kenyans to avoid using vehicles from the suspended saccos.

"Members of the public are hereby advised not to board vehicles belonging to the suspended saccos/companies," said Njao.

The suspension came after a crackdown on non-compliance with Section 5(1) of the NTSA (Operations of PSVs) Regulations of 2014.

Crown Bus, a key player in long-distance transport, and other prominent operators like Kinatwa Sacco and Salty Investments in Nairobi, now face suspensions, affecting a significant portion of daily travel.

Nairobians will bear the brunt of the suspensions, particularly on routes heavily serviced by the affected saccos.

For instance, the 8B Savings and Credit Co-operative Society, which dominates routes like Fig Tree, Thika Road, and Kariobangi, has been suspended. Other suspended saccos in Nairobi include Himosa Travellers Sacco, Outreach Travels, Eastern Bypass Safaris Ltd, Joy Kenya Services Ltd, and Jesmat Travellers.

"This is to notify the public that the Authority has suspended 121 PSVs—Public Transport Operators (PTOs) for failing to comply with the provisions of Section 5(1) of the NTSA (Operation of PSV Regulations) 2014."

The suspension has sparked widespread concerns of disruptions for many Kenyans who rely on matatus for affordable transportation, with the NTSA's decision raising concerns over the safety standards upheld by the affected operators.

In recent months, the NTSA has raised alarms over a surge in road accidents. According to reports from the last quarter, the country witnessed a sharp rise in fatal crashes, with over 1,200 lives lost between July and September alone.

Many of these accidents were attributed to speeding, poorly maintained vehicles, and driver fatigue—issues that continue to plague the matatu industry despite previous reforms.

NTSA in the past has implemented several key reforms to enhance road safety in Kenya, including:

Mandatory Speed Governors and Safety Belts for PSVs to control speeding and ensure passenger safety.

Digital Driving Licenses were introduced in 2017, which track driving offences through a points system.

Traffic Amendment Acts 37 and 38 (2012), impose strict penalties for reckless driving and other violations.

Night Travel Ban for PSVs, limiting night operations unless vehicles meet strict safety requirements.

Annual Vehicle Inspections to ensure roadworthiness and reduce accidents caused by faulty vehicles.

These reforms aim to improve public transport safety, though enforcement challenges remain to be seen.