The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has warned drivers attached to Greenline Bus Company to strictly observe traffic rules and passenger safety protocols, saying the agency will take stronger action if violations continue.
During a sensitisation meeting held on Tuesday, NTSA officials reminded drivers that the current licence suspension has affected the company, its drivers, and the wider public transport sector.
“There is no one who is happy now. None of us wants to be in such a state,” an NTSA official said, referring to the suspension that has halted Greenline’s operations pending full compliance checks.
Drivers received a detailed briefing on their legal responsibilities, the role of conductors, and the importance of proactive safety measures while on duty.
They were also warned against driving while fatigued, with facilitators saying the agency would consider fatigue as a contributory factor in crashes.
“Ukiona umelemewa usizidi hapo. Report. Heri upewe off,” drivers were told, in remarks urging honesty and early reporting to prevent avoidable risks.
NTSA officers further warned against substance use, including miraa, mogoka, kuber and alcoholic drinks, saying such substances impair judgment, concentration and motor skills.
“Avoid using substances because it will affect you. No using miraa, mogoka, kuber and other alcoholic drinks,” officials said.
The sensitisation comes after NTSA suspended operating licences for several public service vehicle (PSV) operators, including Greenline, citing fatal accidents and repeated regulatory non-compliance.
Greenline’s licence was suspended following a road accident on January 4 in the Karai area of Naivasha along the Nairobi–Nakuru Highway.
NTSA said the company’s bus collided head-on with a 14-seater matatu in the early hours of the morning, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries.
In a notice dated January 19, NTSA directed Greenline to present all 33 vehicles flagged for violations to respective speed limiter vendors for functionality checks and compliance verification.
The buses must also undergo full inspection at the Likoni Motor Vehicle Inspection Centre, with results submitted to the authority before any reconsideration of the suspension.
The authority also cancelled the PSV endorsement classes of 29 Greenline drivers linked to overspeeding and the January 4 crash, and suspended their driving licences for 90 days.
After the suspension period lapses, the affected drivers will be required to undergo a fresh re-test before they can be allowed back on Kenyan roads.
“The operator is further directed to immediately disengage the 29 drivers,” NTSA said in the notice.
The agency has also cautioned members of the public against boarding vehicles belonging to suspended companies, saying the suspension means the firms are not authorised to operate.
“Members of the public are hereby advised not to board vehicles belonging to the suspended Saccos and companies,” NTSA said.
NTSA said the latest enforcement measures target systemic issues within the long-distance PSV sector, including fatigue management, night driving, speed regulation and compliance with fleet monitoring technology.
The authority added that it will continue conducting compliance audits and safety sensitisation clinics as operators pursue reinstatement.
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