The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has slammed the brakes on 62 Public Service Vehicle (PSV) drivers, effectively grounding them just as the December festive rush hits its peak. In a decisive move announced Tuesday, the regulator suspended licenses across six major transport operators, citing a litany of safety violations that include reckless driving and tampering with speed limiters.

This is not just a bureaucratic slap on the wrist; it is a direct intervention in the holiday travel plans of thousands of Kenyans. With 23 of its drivers suspended, Tahmeed Express Limited—a giant in the Coast and long-distance routes—faces the steepest operational hurdle. For passengers booked on these buses, the suspensions signal potential delays but also a reassuring, if inconvenient, commitment to keeping them alive on the country’s notorious highways.

The 'Dirty Six' Operators

The crackdown follows an intense compliance assessment targeting the behavior of drivers on the road. The NTSA’s findings paint a worrying picture of negligence among some of the most popular fleets. The suspended drivers have been pulled from the following operators:

• Tahmeed Express Limited: 23 drivers
• Latema Travellers Bus and Safari Company: 13 drivers
• Meru Nissan Operators Sacco: 10 drivers
• MTrans Sacco Limited: 7 drivers
• Moline Prestige Services Shuttle: 6 drivers
• Enabled Mashariki Investment: 3 drivers

"This action follows a compliance assessment that revealed multiple violations and serious safety concerns," the NTSA stated. The authority has made it clear: these drivers are off the road until they undergo mandatory re-testing to prove they are competent enough to hold the lives of Kenyans in their hands.

Tech-Driven Surveillance

This year's crackdown is powered by more than just roadblocks. The NTSA is leveraging its Intelligent Road Safety Management System (IRSMS), a digital platform that monitors vehicles in real-time. The system tracks speed, braking patterns, and route compliance, flagging rogue drivers before they crash.

Acting Director General Angele Wanjira emphasized that the era of reactive measures is ending. By integrating data transmission from speed limiters directly to the NTSA command center, the authority can now identify a speeding bus in Mlolongo or a reckless overtake in Salgaa the moment it happens.

Impact on Your Pocket and Plans

For the average commuter, this development demands immediate attention. If you are booked with the affected Saccos—particularly Tahmeed or Latema—confirm your travel details. While the operators have not yet announced cancellations, the sudden removal of key drivers often leads to schedule shuffles.

Beyond the inconvenience, the cost of negligence is high. Operators are now required to organize road safety awareness training for their entire workforce and present selected vehicles for fresh inspection. This comes at a time when the transport sector is already grappling with high fuel costs, currently averaging KES 180 per litre in Nairobi.

"The driver re-testing exercise is part of broader proactive measures aimed at ensuring every driver possesses the requisite skills," the NTSA noted. As the festive season approaches—a period historically marred by a spike in road fatalities—the message is stark: arrive late, but arrive alive.