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Under the directive, NTSA has suspended the licensing of new public transport operators, including Saccos and companies, for a period of 24 months. The Authority has also halted the addition of new routes and extension of existing routes for 12 months.
The DG's remarks come as NTSA continues tightening enforcement in the public transport sector, following recent action against operators linked to safety lapses.
According to the dealers, the challenges began after a directive issued on April 11, 2026, which introduced stricter requirements for movement permits, including import entry numbers, dealer licence details and importer information.
Early-year figures show the same worrying pattern. Between January 1 and January 30, 2026, 398 people died in road crashes, compared to 358 in the same period in 2025, representing an 11 per cent increase.
The NTSA ordered an immediate shutdown of Nicco Movers 1 Sacco and revoked its operator licence, directing all its vehicles to stop operating. The action follows investigations linked to the death of a KMTC student on Thika Road.
Police say at least five people died and several others were injured after a matatu and a trailer collided on the Bungoma–Webuye road near Bukembe Bridge shortly after midnight, with some injured in critical condition.
In a notice to users, NTSA explained that the interruption is part of a planned technical migration meant to support the rollout of the digital system.
The commission warned that the case is part of a wider pattern of reported incidents involving passengers allegedly being harmed or ejected from moving vehicles
Under the new framework, motorists who commit certain minor traffic offences will no longer be required to appear in court immediately. Instead, they may receive a Police Notification of Traffic Offence through SMS, email, digital traffic enforcement platforms or direct delivery by police officers.
The President said the reforms would help create a more responsive and accountable system for transport operators while restoring confidence in insurance services and easing financial pressure across the public transport sector.
The directive follows concerns raised by stakeholders in the matatu industry over orders requiring operators to strip vehicles of graffiti, artwork and other decorative features that have become a common part of matatu culture.
The proposed rules, developed by the National Transport and Safety Authority in conjunction with the Ministry, are aimed at strengthening vehicle safety standards, enhancing inspection systems and tightening enforcement amid rising concerns over road accidents.