National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) on Monday, April 24, suspended operators from three saccos following tragic accidents that claimed 19 lives.
The affected Saccos included Taita Taveta Sacco, Tahmeed Sacco, Team Swat Logistics and Management Limited and Kyoga Hauliers Kenya Limited.
In the statement, NTSA further announced measures to ensure compliance and restore sanity on roads.
The changes included a requirement for all vehicles to possess a valid inspection licence and a road service licence. Drivers and conductors are also expected to possess a valid driving licence and PSV badges.
Installation of a speed limiter approved by the Kenya Bureau Of Standards (KEBS) and the Authority as per the standard that transmits data to NTSA's servers.
The Authority in conjunction with the National Police Service would commence the suspension, revocation and re-testing of any driver who is observed to drive in such a manner as to be a source of danger to either passengers or motorists.
"For purposes of clarity, this shall include motorists driving in a reckless, careless and/or dangerous manner," the statement read in part.
Further, to address traffic congestion experienced along various Central Business Districts (CBD), the Authority halted PSV route extensions and variations in Nairobi and its environs until an assessment of the facilities available was conducted.
All public transport operators which were involved in fatal crashes would be prompted to undergo a mandatory safety compliance assessment.
This would entail the inspection of all their vehicles to ascertain roadworthiness, the assessment of driver qualifications and driving ability examination and the demonstration of full compliance and adherence to the PSV Regulations Act.
In addition, select PSVs from various Saccos were instructed to undergo a safety compliance assessment, failure to which they would not be allowed to operate until the tests were complete.
"The Authority is undertaking a vigorous data cleaning exercise to ensure only legally issued inspection certificates and driving licences are recognized," the statement read in part.
NTSA also issued a warning that it would take immediate and severe disciplinary action against members of staff who would issue an inspection certificate or road service license or driving licence and DL endorsement to any vehicle and driver without the laid down procedures.
