The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has cracked the whip on rogue operators, but Guardian Coach Limited has narrowly escaped the axe. While four other firms have been suspended indefinitely, the bus giant has been slapped with a strict 21-day notice to clean up its act or face total shutdown.

The regulatory action comes after a bloody December that saw NTSA officials under pressure to curb road carnage. While Monna Comfort Sacco and Greenline Company were grounded for "glaring safety violations," Guardian Coach and Nanyuki Express were granted a lifeline, albeit with stringent conditions.

The "Last Chance" Ultimatum

The NTSA’s decision to spare Guardian Coach has raised eyebrows, given the firm's involvement in recent incidents. However, insiders suggest the 21-day window is a "probationary period." The company must now undergo a comprehensive fleet audit and driver re-vetting process.

• Suspended: Monna Comfort Sacco, Greenline Company Ltd, Naekana Sacco, and Uwezo Coast Shuttle. These firms are effectively banned from the roads starting today.
• On Notice: Guardian Coach and Nanyuki Express. Failure to comply within three weeks will result in automatic license revocation.
• Driver Bans: The regulator has also cancelled the PSV endorsements of drivers involved in recent fatal crashes, banning them from the road for 90 days.

A Sector on Edge

The selective suspension strategy indicates the NTSA is trying to balance enforcement with maintaining transport capacity on key routes. Guardian Coach is a critical player in the Western Kenya circuit, and its immediate suspension would have left thousands stranded.

However, the message is clear: even the giants are no longer untouchable. Guardian Coach is now operating on borrowed time.