The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has taken firm action against six public transport operators in Kenya. On 19 January 2026, the authority announced suspensions and strict conditions following a series of fatal road crashes linked to speeding and non-compliance.

The move comes after a spike in deadly accidents over the December 2025 festive season and into early January 2026. Recent crashes claimed multiple lives on major highways, including head-on collisions involving long-distance buses and shuttles.

For example, a crash on the Nakuru-Nairobi highway at Karai on January 4, 2026 involved vehicles from Greenline Company Ltd and Nanyuki Express Cab Services Ltd.

Other incidents occurred on routes like Nairobi-Naivasha, Mombasa-Nairobi, Eldoret-Webuye, and Muhoroni-Londiani. Following investigations, NTSA imposed suspensions and strict conditions on the affected operators.

The Guardian Coach Limited received 21 days to address safety failures after a crash on January 6, 2026 along the Nairobi–Naivasha road at Kimende. The company must present 24 vehicles for speed limiter checks and inspections at the Likoni inspection centre.

NTSA also cancelled the PSV endorsements of 18 drivers, suspended their licences for 90 days, and ordered them to undergo re-testing. The company must disengage the drivers immediately.

Nanyuki Express Cab Services Ltd also received a 21-day notice after the Karai crash. NTSA directed the operator to inspect 128 vehicles at the Nyeri inspection centre. The authority cancelled the endorsements of 26 drivers, suspended their licences for 90 days, and ordered re-tests. The company must remove the drivers from service with immediate effect.

Full suspensions, new rules

NTSA fully suspended Monna Comfort Sacco, Greenline Company Ltd, Naekana Route 134 Sacco Ltd, and Uwezo Coast Shuttle. The operators must present all their vehicles for speed limiter checks and compliance inspections.

NTSA suspended the licences of affected drivers for 90 days and cancelled their endorsements. Uwezo Coast Shuttle earned an immediate suspension after failing to honour NTSA summons.

The authority also issued new requirements for night and long-distance operations. Operators must show valid night operation approvals, fatigue management plans, and functional offices along key routes. NTSA also demanded accurate passenger manifests, up-to-date maintenance records, and internal manuals covering speed monitoring, driver deployment, and emergency response.

NTSA said it will audit compliance before restoring any licences. It warned the public against boarding vehicles belonging to the suspended operators and instructed traffic police to impound any vehicle found operating in violation of the orders.

The authority said it remains focused on reducing road deaths and protecting passengers during high-risk travel periods.