The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has allowed 263 public service vehicles from a transport operator to resume operations temporarily, pending submission of mandatory compliance documents. This follows a decision by the Transport Licensing Appeals Board (TLAB), which reviewed the operator’s case.
According to NTSA, the operator must submit a compliance matrix by Monday, January 26, 2026. The TLAB will provide further guidance once the documents are evaluated.
Despite this temporary lift, 128 vehicles previously identified as non-compliant remain prohibited from operating. Details of these vehicles are publicly available on the NTSA website.
NTSA noted that several safety requirements imposed during the initial suspension period remain unmet. “Traffic enforcement officers are required to impound non-compliant vehicles operating under the Sacco,” the Authority said. To facilitate compliance, NTSA has reopened its online service portal to the operator.
The decision comes amid growing concern over public transport safety. On January 19, NTSA had suspended the licenses of four operators after investigations found widespread breaches of safety rules during the December 2025 festive period.
Key issues included drivers failing to adhere to speed limits and unsafe conduct behind the wheel. Two additional operators were given 21 days to meet safety standards or risk suspension.
“The Authority shall conduct safety compliance audits on the operators before their licenses are reinstated,” NTSA stated. Non-compliance with KS 2295-2023-a standards, which set limits for vehicle speed control devices, and other regulations governing public service vehicles contributed to the earlier suspensions.
The Authority urged passengers to avoid boarding vehicles from suspended operators. “This measure is part of our unwavering commitment to ensuring the highest standards of passenger safety and road safety compliance,” NTSA emphasized.
Transport safety experts say the temporary clearance allows the operator a chance to meet requirements, but stress that ongoing monitoring remains critical. “The measures put in place are meant to protect passengers and ensure that operators uphold safety standards at all times,” an official familiar with the matter said.
NTSA’s actions reinforce its commitment to strict oversight of public transport and road safety enforcement. Passengers are advised to verify a vehicle’s compliance before boarding, as authorities continue efforts to reduce accidents across the country.
