In a sweeping crackdown aimed at tightening road safety ahead of the festive season, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has suspended the licences of 62 Public Service Vehicle (PSV) drivers linked to seven major transport operators, including long-distance giants Tahmeed Express and Latema Travelers Bus & Safari Company.
The decisive action, announced on Tuesday, December 9, follows a detailed compliance audit that uncovered multiple safety violations, raising concerns over the rising number of road incidents involving PSVs.
NTSA says all suspended drivers must undergo mandatory re-testing, signalling a firm shift to stricter oversight in a sector long plagued by indiscipline and weak enforcement.
“This action follows a compliance assessment that revealed multiple violations and serious safety concerns,” NTSA stated.
“The Authority has suspended the licences of 62 drivers… and mandated that they undergo re-testing.”
The following transport companies have been directed to immediately present affected staff and vehicles for fresh safety checks:
Tahmeed Express Ltd – 23 drivers
Latema Travelers Bus & Safari Co. Ltd – 13 drivers
Meru Nissan Operators Sacco – 10 drivers
Moline Prestige Services Shuttle Ltd – 6 drivers
MTrans Sacco Ltd – 7 drivers
Enabled Mashariki Investment Ltd – 3 drivers
Beyond the individual suspensions, NTSA has also ordered all affected companies to conduct road safety awareness training for all their drivers, not just those under suspension.
The authority emphasized that re-testing is part of a wider national strategy to restore order and professionalism on Kenyan roads.
“These actions highlight our firm and ongoing commitment to road safety, particularly during this festive period,” NTSA noted.
The move adds to the tightening regulatory environment witnessed this year. In March, NTSA suspended Super Metro Limited’s operator licence, demanding the retesting of 42 of its drivers. The company was only reinstated on April 17, 2025, after meeting all compliance standards.
NTSA hinted that the crackdown is far from over, revealing that several other operators are under active assessment to verify driver competence, vehicle roadworthiness, and adherence to PSV regulations.
With the December holiday rush already underway, the authority appears keen on preventing a repeat of past accidents linked to reckless driving, fatigue, and mechanical negligence.
The suspension of 62 drivers—some from the country’s most recognizable long-haul and shuttle services—signals NTSA’s resolve to reset standards in the PSV industry.
As millions of Kenyans prepare to travel for the holidays, the message is clear: unroadworthy vehicles and unfit drivers will not be allowed on the road.
Whether the crackdown results in cleaner, safer highways this festive season is something the country will be watching closely.
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