A 14-seater matatu ferrying 31 students was on Saturday impounded by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) officers.
Confirming the incident, NTSA said the matatu impounded in Meru was coming from Tharaka Nithi.
The driver of the vehicle managed to escape after the officers approached the vehicle, efforts to arrest him are currently underway.
The students were offered alternative transport arrangements by the NTSA officials.
NTSA said the vehicle was towed to the police station pending further action.
“A 14 seater PSV was found carrying 31 students from Tharaka Nithi County. The driver managed to escape and efforts are underway to apprehend him. Alternative transport arrangments were made for the learners,
“Drivers and school management entrusted with the safety of our children must understand their responsibility,” NTSA said.
The latest comes days after a section of pedestrians caught flaunting traffic rules were arrested in a nationwide crackdown.
Meru County: A 14 seater PSV was found carrying 31 students from Tharaka Nithi County.
🟥The driver managed to escape and efforts are underway to apprehend him. Alternative transport arrangments were made for the learners.
🟧The vehicle has been towed to the police station… pic.twitter.com/EIgOgOLj9O
— NTSA KENYA (@ntsa_kenya) March 30, 2024
Those arrested in the crackdown launched by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) were individuals caught crossing roads without using available footbridges, walkaways and designated crossing points.
“This morning, several pedestrians who failed to obey traffic rules were detained. Pedestrians must use available footbridges, walkways and other designated crossing points to ensure their safety. To avoid any inconveniences, we urge pedestrians to observe traffic rules,” a statement by NTSA read at the time.
The latest crackdowns align with Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen’s directives meant to tame road carnage.
“Having consulted with my Interior and National Coordination colleague, Prof. Kithure Kindiki, we are going to establish a mechanism where the previous directive to remove NTSA from enforcement will be vacated and a collaborative regime between NTSA and NPS will be put in place for a more efficient enforcement,” CS Murkomen said.
“You will be seeing a return of the NTSA working with traffic police to enforce traffic safety on our roads as soon as possible,” he added.
