The Matatu Owners Association of Kenya has raised concerns over the ongoing nationwide National Transport and Safety Authority crackdown on PSVs, describing it as “reactionary and dangerous” due to disruptions to students and passenger travel.
In a statement on Saturday, the association called for more strategic enforcement, emphasizing that road safety measures must go hand in hand with passenger welfare.
MAK highlighted the plight of students travelling home after school, who are being stranded at terminals and along highways when vehicles are withdrawn during peak travel times.
“Many children are left without enough money to travel since their parents give fixed bus fare,” the group noted, warning that such disruptions expose students to theft and exploitation.
The association further cautioned that limiting transport availability drives up fares and creates chaos for passengers.
MAK stressed that effective enforcement should not focus solely on vehicle inspections but must also safeguard the wellbeing of commuters, particularly vulnerable groups like school children.
NTSA on April 1 launched a nationwide operation on roads in collaboration with the National Police Service to ensure the safety of motorists and passengers during the festive season.
The initiative, aimed at reducing road accidents and fatalities, intensified on April 2, with the National Transport and Safety Authority urging drivers and passengers to prioritize safety on all roads.
In a press statement on April 2,2026, NTSA highlighted specific dangerous behaviors, warning that speeding, drunk driving, and driver fatigue remain leading causes of accidents.
“If you have consumed alcohol, do not get behind the wheel,” the Authority said, while also advising motorists to rest adequately before long journeys and take breaks every two hours.
Drivers were further cautioned to maintain lane discipline and park safely if vehicles break down, using warning triangles to alert other road users.
Unroadworthy vehicles with defective brakes, worn-out tyres, or faulty lighting were set to be impounded immediately.
The enforcement strategy involves deploying traffic officers, speed cameras, and sobriety checkpoints at key locations.
