NTSA Suspends 9 Matatu Drivers After NTV Exposé

NTSA officials pictured inspecting a matatu on the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway in December 2019
NTSA officials pictured inspecting a matatu on the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway in December 2019
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National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) on Thursday, November 5, suspended licenses of drivers from nine matatu saccos.

In a statement, the authority noted that it arrived at the decision after deliberations with officials from the said affected saccos.

The nine saccos included Super Metro Ltd, Triple S Co. Ltd, Manmo Sacco, Baba Dogo 25 Sacco, Sony Classic Co. Ltd and Metro Trans Co. Ltd.

The transport watchdog also noted that the nine drivers would be required to undergo a re-test.

File image of matatus on the streets of Nairobi
File image of matatus on the streets of Nairobi
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"The nine drivers will be required to undergo a driver re-test at the Likoni Road Driving Testing Centre to ascertain their driving suitability before the licenses are reinstated.

"The Operators were directed to furnish the authority with various policy documents relating to management of driver/conductor discipline and other road safety measures," read the statement in part.

The operators of the nine saccos were also directed to present a percentage of their fleet for compliance inspection at the Likoni Inspection Centre within seven days.

"The results of the compliance inspection will inform the authority on other actions it can take against the operators.

"NTSA will within seven days undertake a road safety awareness training for all drivers and conductors of the 6 operators," added the authority.

A report by NTV on Tuesday night, November 3, detailed how drivers were using diversions to escape traffic snarl-ups. 

The matatus also drove on the new cabro pathways forcing pedestrians to pave way for drivers.

The drivers were also spotted driving on the wrong lanes of the road, which almost led to accidents.

Drivers also switched lanes easily due to the reduced height of roads near pavements. The drivers use spotters who walk ahead and signal them on where to meander through traffic.

An image of citizens getting services at NTSA offices
An image of citizens getting services at NTSA offices on February 17, 2019.
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NTSA
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