NTSA Suspends 4 Saccos, Issue New Tough Rules Against All Matatus

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) on Monday, April 24 suspended operators from four matatu saccos following road accidents that claimed 19 lives in a space of four days.

The Saccos hit by the suspension included Taita Taveta Sacco, Tahmeed Sacco, Team Swat Logistics and Management Limited and Kyoga Hauliers Kenya Limited.

In addition, NTSA announced strict measures in furtherance to those issued by Transport Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen to restore safety and sanity on Kenyan roads.

The authority announced that it would strictly enforce the NTSA (Operation of PSV) Regulations 2014 which would affect the minimum number of vehicles that a PSV Operator should have.

"On this Public Transport Operators with less than 30 vehicles are hereby given a 30-day notice to meet this requirement failure to which will result in the revocation of their PSV Operator licences.

"Requirement for a valid inspection for all vehicles, road service licences for all vehicles, valid driving licences and PSV Badges for all drivers and conductors," stated NTSA in part.

The authority also listed the requirement for the installation of an approved speed limiter as per its standards that transmits data to the Authority's servers.

NTSA added that it shall provide both technological and policy advisory support to the National Police Service (NPS) to ensure the fulfilment of their mandate regarding the enforcement of traffic laws.

"Pursuant to Section 40 of the Traffic Act, the Authority in conjunction with the National Police Service shall commence the suspension, revocation and/or re-testing of any driver who is observed to drive in such a manner as to be a source of danger to the public. For purposes of clarity, this shall include motorists driving in a reckless, careless and/or dangerous manner.

"To address traffic congestion concerns, the Authority hereby halts PSV route extensions and variations in Nairobi and environs until an assessment of facilities available is conducted," added the authority.

NTSA compelled all Public Transport Operators who shall be involved in fatal crashes to undergo a mandatory safety compliance assessment that will entail inspection of all their vehicles to ascertain roadworthiness, assessment of driver qualifications and driving ability examination and demonstration of full compliance and adherence to the PSV Regulations, 2014.

From the above, the suspended saccos are required to undergo a safety compliance assessment with immediate effect and the PSV operators will not be allowed to operate until the exercise is complete.

"The Authority is undertaking a vigorous data cleaning exercise to ensure only legally issued inspection certificates and driving licences are recognized.

"Further to this, the Board shall take immediate and severe disciplinary action against members of staff who will issue an inspection certificate and/or road service license and/or driving licence and DL endorsement to any vehicle and driver without laid down procedures," added NTSA.