The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has suspended a matatu driver for 90 days after a viral incident at Allsops in Nairobi, where the vehicle reportedly invaded a pedestrian walkway.
The matter surfaced after a social media user reported what was described as a confrontation between the driver and a pedestrian who refused to give way after the matatu encroached onto the walkway. The post tagged NTSA and urged action against drivers who endanger pedestrians.
Viral clip sparks swift response
NTSA said it had taken note of the incident, calling it unfortunate and dangerous. The authority said it would follow up with the Sacco linked to the vehicle and update the public on action taken.
In Kenya’s public transport sector, a Sacco is a registered cooperative that manages matatu operations, including route discipline and crew accountability.
Driver fails test and loses licence temporarily
In a subsequent update, NTSA confirmed the driver had been presented before the authority for action. NTSA said the driver underwent the required test but did not meet the set standards. His driving licence was then suspended for 90 days.
NTSA also directed that the driver must undergo a medical assessment before taking another re-test.
Pedestrians told to come first
NTSA urged motorists to exercise responsibility and comply with traffic rules, stressing that pedestrians should be given priority on the roads. The authority also commended members of the public for reporting reckless driving and partnering with NTSA on road safety.
A recent case in Riruta raised similar concerns
The Allsops suspension follows other recent enforcement action linked to viral footage.
On January 15, NTSA said a driver and conductor of a public service vehicle were disengaged by their Sacco after reports of reckless driving. NTSA also said the driver’s licence was suspended after he failed a mandatory re-test.
That action came after a video filmed in Riruta, Nairobi, showed the crew driving recklessly. The footage appeared to show a conductor pushing a girl toward a roadside ditch, triggering public outrage online. NTSA said the incident occurred on December 31, 2025.
How NTSA wants the public to report reckless driving
NTSA has continued to urge road users to report dangerous behaviour by sharing key details, including the vehicle registration number, the location, and the date and time of the incident. The authority has promoted the reporting drive under the #UsalamaBarabarani road safety initiative.
For NTSA, the message in both cases is the same: public reporting can trigger enforcement, and drivers who put pedestrians at risk can be taken off the road.
