By James Okoth
Fatal crashes and regulatory breaches prompt strict action against public transport operators
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has suspended the operating licences of six public transport operators following a string of fatal crashes during the December 2025 festive season and early January 2026. The move targets companies that failed to adhere to the requirements of KS 2295‑2023 and violated several provisions of the NTSA (Operation of PSV) Regulations, 2014.
The Guardian Coach Limited was at the center of the crackdown after a fatal road traffic crash on 6th January 2026 along the Nairobi–Naivasha Road at Kimende area. NTSA has imposed strict penalties on the operator:
The company is given 21 days to comply with set safety and operational conditions. Failure to comply will result in suspension of its operating licence from all driving duties.
According to NTSA, the suspension is part of its mandate to enforce compliance among public service vehicle (PSV) operators and protect passenger safety.
“The Authority is committed to upholding road safety and will not hesitate to suspend any operator that endangers lives through negligence or non-compliance with statutory requirements,” NTSA stated.
Other Operators Affected
The other operators impacted by the crackdown include:
- Monna Comfort Sacco
- Greenline Company Ltd
- Naekana Route 134 Sacco Ltd
- Uwezo Coast Shuttle
- Nanyuki Express Cab Services Ltd
The companies were implicated in fatal crashes and repeated non-compliance with safety regulations. They are now required to meet strict operational, night travel and statutory compliance conditions before their licences can be reinstated.
Night Travel Safety Conditions
To ensure safe long-distance and night travel, NTSA requires the operators to demonstrate compliance with the following:
- Valid authorization for night operations and adherence to route licensing conditions.
- Fatigue management systems, including designated driver rest areas and/or driver change-over arrangements along long-distance corridors.
- Operational offices or coordination points at major county pick-up and drop-off locations for dispatch, passenger handling, complaint resolution and incident reporting, along with a list of licensed routes and vehicles assigned per route.
- Mandatory use of accurate passenger manifests for long-distance trips, with records maintained for inspection.
- Updated fleet maintenance schedules and service records to ensure continuous roadworthiness.
- Internal operational manuals, journey management procedures and safety protocols covering speed monitoring, driver assignment, night operation controls and emergency response procedures.
“These measures are designed to protect passengers and ensure operators meet the highest safety standards,” NTSA stated.
Compliance With Statutory Requirements
Operators must also submit:
- Signed contracts for drivers and staff, with proof of compliance with Section 5(1)(e), including six months’ payroll, PAYE, NSSF and SHA remittances.
- Last quarter reports (Oct–Dec 2025) detailing compliance status, challenges and proactive measures to enhance safety.
- Road Safety Sensitization reports for all drivers, including photos, minutes and attendance lists. Sensitizations must be facilitated by NTSA.
NTSA will conduct safety compliance audits on the operators before licences can be reinstated.
Public Advisory
The Authority has warned the public:
“Members of the public are advised not to board vehicles belonging to the suspended Saccos/Companies. Vehicles operating contrary to this suspension will be impounded by the Traffic Department. This measure is part of our unwavering commitment to the highest standards of passenger and road safety.”
The Authority’s action sends a strong message that public transport operators must comply fully with the law or face strict penalties, including licence suspension, vehicle impoundment and potential legal action.
