The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) in Meru has impounded a 14-seater Public Service Vehicle (PSV) after it was netted carrying at least 31 students.
The authorities said the students were from a school in Tharaka Nithi County.
However, the driver of the matatu managed to escape during the commotion and police officers have already launched a manhunt for him.
The vehicle was towed to a Meru police station as investigations into the incident commenced.
“Alternative transport arrangements were made for the learners. Drivers and school management entrusted with the safety of our children must understand their responsibility,” said a NTSA official.
From March 27, NTSA has mounted compliance checks on major highways, netting most motorists unawares.
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The multi-agency team comprising officers from the NTSA and National Police Service have been erecting roadblocks in efforts to ensure compliance by the sector players.
Last Friday, the National Transport and Safety Authority suspended the operator licenses of two Saccos.
“The Saccos failed to comply with provisions of section 5 of the NTSA (operation of PSV) regulations, 2014 and analysis of speed violations that were compiled through the NTSA intelligent road safety management system,” they said.
The authority directed the Saccos to comply with all the requirements of the Traffic Act and the PSV regulations.
The authority also directed the Saccos to present all the vehicles in their fleets for inspection.
It further said all the drivers of both Saccos are to undergo road safety sensitisation.
By John Majau
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