NTSA suspends two matatu Saccos for violating traffic laws

Bungoma Line Safaris Ltd and Smart Highways Sacco Ltd have had their licenses withdrawn.

In Summary
  • The authority directed the saccos to comply with all the requirements of the Traffic Act and the PSV regulations.

  • Consequently, it directed the saccos to present their vehicles for compliance inspection.

National Transport and Safety Authority banners during the World Day of Remembrance for road crash victims on November 19, 2023
National Transport and Safety Authority banners during the World Day of Remembrance for road crash victims on November 19, 2023
Image: FILE

The National Transport and Safety Authority has suspended the operator licenses for Bungoma Line Safaris Ltd and Smart Highways Sacco Ltd.

In a statement on Friday, NTSA said the suspension was prompted by the Saccos' failure to comply with traffic regulations.

"The Saccos failed to comply with provisions of section 5 of the NTSA (operation of PSV) regulations, 2014 and analysis of sped data violations that were compiled through the NTSA intelligent road safety management system," they said.

The authority directed the saccos to comply with all the requirements of the Traffic Act and the PSV regulations.

Consequently, it directed the saccos to present their vehicles for compliance inspection.

This, NTSA said, is to establish their road worthiness and to confirm the functionality of the installed speed limiters.

The authority also directed the Saccos to present all the vehicles in their fleets for inspection.

Bungoma Line Safaris Ltd has 162 vehicles in its fleet while Smart Highways Sacco Ltd has 29.

Those to be presented for compliance checks by the speed limiter vendor is 162 for Bungoma line and 27 for Smart Highways, NTSA said.

The authority further said all the drivers of both saccos are to undergo road safety sensitisation.

It said 14 Bungoma line drivers and two from Smart Highways are also to be retested by the authority.

"The National Police has been advised to impound vehicles operating contrary to the suspension," NTSA said.

On March 27, NTSA mounted compliance checks on major highways, catching most motorists unawares.

The multiagency team comprising officers from the NTSA and National Police Service erected a roadblock at Daystar area in Athi River, Machakos County.

Some motorists kept off Nairobi-Mombasa highway as the usually busy highway had only a few vehicles.

Others evaded the highway and chose to use alternative routes.

Some parked by the roadside in an apparent fear of being found at fault as the operation intensified.

Tens of vehicles and motor bikes were impounded and their number plates removed for failing to comply with various traffic regulations.

Similar checks were conducted along the Garissa-Nairobi highway, Embu - Nairobi road and in Kisii.

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