Road safety has taken centre stage after transport regulators moved to take firm action against several public service vehicle operators following a worrying rise in accidents during the December 2025 festive season.
The move is part of renewed efforts to protect passengers and reduce preventable road crashes linked to non-compliance with safety rules.
The National Transport and Safety Authority announced that four long-distance public transport companies have had their operating licences suspended.
According to the authority, the decision followed reports of fatal road crashes involving vehicles from the affected companies, as well as failure to meet key safety and operational standards required by law. The suspensions were confirmed in a statement released on Monday, January 19.
The companies affected by the suspension are Monna Comfort Sacco, Greenline Company, Naekana Route 134 Sacco Limited, and Uwezo Coast Sacco.
NTSA said these operators failed to comply with the requirements set out in KS 2295-2023 and various provisions of the National Transport and Safety Authority (Operation of PSV) Regulations of 2014. These rules are designed to improve road safety, ensure proper vehicle maintenance, and promote responsible driving practices.
In addition to the suspensions, the authority also issued a 21-day ultimatum to two other operators, The Guardian Coach Limited and Nanyuki Express Cab Services Limited. During this period, the two companies are expected to address specific safety concerns raised by the regulator.
One of the key requirements is the disengagement of drivers who were found to have been speeding during the festive season. The Guardian Coach has been directed to disengage 18 drivers, while Nanyuki Express is required to disengage 26 drivers.
NTSA explained that all six saccos had failed to fully comply with safety regulations that were put in place to enhance road safety during the busy holiday period. These measures were especially important due to increased travel and higher risks on the roads at that time.
Before any suspended licence can be reinstated, the authority will conduct a full safety compliance audit on the affected operators. This audit will assess whether the companies have met all the required standards and addressed the issues that led to the suspension.
Traffic police officers have also been instructed to impound any vehicle belonging to the suspended saccos if found operating during the suspension period.
Members of the public have been strongly advised not to board vehicles belonging to the suspended companies. NTSA stressed that this action is aimed at safeguarding passengers and ensuring that only compliant and safe vehicles are allowed on the roads.
The affected saccos will also be required to present all vehicles found with defects, including faulty speed limiters, for inspection at designated vehicle inspection centres. They must then submit compliance reports to the authority.
Other requirements include submitting signed contracts for drivers and staff, detailed reports on their compliance status, challenges faced, and measures taken to improve safety.
Road safety sensitisation sessions for all drivers are also mandatory.
For night operations, additional conditions apply. Operators must provide valid authorisation for night travel, proof of fatigue management systems, updated fleet management systems, and verifiable passenger manifests for long-distance trips.
They must also establish offices at pick-up and drop-off points to improve passenger handling and develop internal operational manuals to guide their daily activities.
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