NTSA Bans Forward Travellers Sacco From Operating In Nairobi Over Fatal Accident

• NTSA has banned matatus affiliated with the Forward Travellers Sacco from operating within Nairobi and its environs
• This decree has deprived numerous individuals of their livelihoods and left countless commuters stranded owing to the absence of transportation
• Earlier, NTSA cancelled licences belonging to 64 Matatu Saccos, requiring Kenya National Police Service (NPS) to impound any PSV operating under the revoked Saccos

Many commuters were left stranded after the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) banned the Eastlands-based matatus under Forward Travellers Sacco from operating within Nairobi.

Why was Forward Travellers Sacco banned?

This action comes in the wake of a tragic accident on Saturday, May 11, along Jogoo Road, which resulted in the loss of three lives.

The incident occurred as the vehicle was travelling from the Kayole area to Nairobi CBD.

According to a report by TV 47, the Sacco officials convened closed-door meetings to strategise the next steps following the directive from NTSA.

The ban has halted operations for the Sacco, leaving many commuters who rely on the matatus for their affordability and convenience stranded.

"This is where we get our money for daily usage, if Forward has done anything wrong then the government, kindly help us," one man said

Commuters accustomed to the matatus expressed frustration over increased fare prices, which have risen to between KSh 100 and KSh 150 during rush hours, compared to the usual fare of around KSh 70.

"You'll find matatus charging KSh 120-KSh 150 because they are few and want to make profits. Some people will be forced to walk due the hiked prices," a commuter said.

NTSA revokes licences of long distance PSV

Earlier on May 3, commuters faced tough times as the NTSA cancelled licences belonging to 64 matatu Saccos.

NTSA wrote to the Kenya National Police Service (NPS) to impound any PSV operating under the revoked Saccos.

In a notice published on Thursday, May 2, the transport regulator warned members of the public against boarding the vehicles.

Some of the affected Saccos include Kensilver, plying Nairobi, Maua, Embu and Meru routes; Mbukinya plying Nairobi, Nakuru, Kapsabet, Chavakali, Busia and Luanda routes; and Moline, plying Nairobi, Nakuru, Eldoret, and Kitale routes.

Proofreading by Otukho Jackson, a multimedia journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke