National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA)
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has revoked the operating licence of a matatu sacco operating along Thika Road following investigations linked to a fatal incident involving a Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) student.
In a public notice issued on Friday, June 12, NTSA said the decision followed a comprehensive review of the sacco’s safety practices and compliance record after the death of KMTC student Eugene Mutuku.
Mutuku, a final-year student at KMTC’s Yatta campus, died last week after an incident along Thika Road while he was travelling to an attachment placement in Kasarani.
Police have impounded the bus involved as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding his death.
The incident sparked public concern over passenger safety in the public transport sector and prompted regulatory action by the authority.
“As part of the ongoing investigation into the unfortunate incident that claimed the life of Eugene Mutuku, a KMTC student, the Authority conducted a thorough assessment of the operator’s safety practices and compliance status,” NTSA said.
The regulator said its assessment identified operational and safety concerns within the sacco’s fleet management and compliance systems.
“In its findings, the Authority observed that the sacco’s officials and management have lost control of the operation of their fleet, lack adequate safety protocols, and have not demonstrated any efforts to address major safety concerns,” NTSA said.
NTSA further noted that vehicles operating under the sacco were considered to pose safety risks to passengers and other road users.
“We also note that vehicles operating under the sacco are unsafe and pose a danger to road users,” the notice stated.
Following the review, NTSA revoked the sacco’s Public Transport Operator licence and directed an immediate suspension of operations.
Law enforcement officers were also instructed to impound any vehicles found operating contrary to the directive.
The authority said the action forms part of its mandate to enforce safety standards within the public transport sector. It added that passenger safety remains a priority and warned that operators who fail to comply with regulations risk similar sanctions.
The revocation comes amid heightened scrutiny of safety compliance in the matatu sector following a series of incidents involving passenger injuries and fatalities.
NTSA said the decision was based on regulatory findings.
