This archive report was first published on 18 October 2019.
On October 17, 2019, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) took a significant step to ensure road safety in Kenya by suspending 11 matatu saccos for failing to meet the minimum requirements to operate.
The affected saccos were found to be operating with fewer than 30 serviceable vehicles, a requirement outlined in the National Transport and Safety Authority (Operation of PSV) Regulations, 2014.
NTSA has advised the public to avoid boarding vehicles belonging to the suspended saccos to prevent any inconvenience. The authority has also instructed the police traffic department to impound any vehicles belonging to the 11 saccos if found on the road.
Among the suspended saccos are Teachers Transporters, which operates on several routes including Nairobi-Kiambaa-Naivasha-Nakuru-Nyahururu and back, and Minibus Railways, which plies the Athi River-Kitengela-Machakos route.
Others include Smoke City, Seven City Sacco Railways, Single Line Services, Gesarate Trade Links, Sunbird Services, Kazana Travellers, Snowball Sacco Railways, Angel Kings Nairobi, and Kijabe Line Nairobi.
It is worth noting that a fortnight ago, NTSA suspended nine matatu saccos over similar issues, but some of those suspended have since resumed their services.
