The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has summoned nine public service vehicle (PSV) operators to respond to serious safety concerns identified in their operations across the country.
In a notice issued on Monday, August 31, the Authority named the operators required to appear before it and explain the safety issues flagged against them.
"In exercising its powers, the Authority has summoned a number of public service vehicle operators after observing serious safety concerns," NTSA stated.
Moyalé Raha Transporter's Company Limited has been directed to appear before the Authority on September 3, making it the first of the nine operators to face scrutiny.
The other eight companies and Sacco societies are scheduled to appear before NTSA on September 8.
They include Etams Classic Limited, Eastern Link Travellers Company Limited and Manchester Travellers Coach Limited.
Also summoned are Lake Naivasha Mai-Mahiu Line Service Limited and Sabaki Travellers Saving and Credit Co-operative Society Limited.
Lumasa County Sacco, Bluemarks Shuttles Sacco Limited and Nyamira Luxury Express Company Limited complete the list of nine operators.
Most of the listed operators run services outside Nairobi, connecting passengers to different counties and transporting thousands of travellers across the country every day.
The summons come amid persistent concerns over road safety and compliance among long-distance public transport operators.
Long-distance buses have frequently been associated with violations of traffic regulations, including speeding as drivers attempt to meet demanding travel schedules.
Some operators have also been accused of carrying excess passengers and luggage, while fatigued drivers sometimes work for extended periods without taking the required rest breaks.
The risks are further heightened by dangerous overtaking, particularly along narrow and winding highways. Poorly maintained vehicles, including buses fitted with worn-out tyres, defective brakes or faulty lights, can also increase the likelihood of crashes.
Passenger safety remains another concern, with seatbelt requirements not always observed or enforced by operators.
The latest action by NTSA comes as Kenya continues to grapple with a high number of road deaths. NTSA Director General Nashon Kondiwa reported an 11 per cent increase in road fatalities, with 2,150 people losing their lives in road crashes between January and June 2026.
Pedestrians accounted for the largest share of fatalities at approximately 836 deaths, followed by motorcyclists and passengers.
Kiambu, Nairobi and Nakuru were identified among the counties recording the highest number of fatalities, with heavy traffic and rapid urbanisation contributing to the increased risks.
Road crashes also continue to impose a significant economic burden on the country. NTSA estimates that accidents cost Kenya approximately five per cent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) every year through medical expenses, property damage and lost productivity.
The Authority's July 2026 Road Safety Status Report further highlighted concerns over weekend travel. According to the report, the three days in question accounted for more than half of all road crashes recorded during the month.
The trend points to weekends as a particularly high-risk period on Kenyan roads, when many passengers travel long distances to visit or return to their families.
The summons are therefore expected to provide NTSA with an opportunity to assess the operators' compliance with safety requirements and take appropriate action where violations are established.
