The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has launched a manhunt for a 14-seater Matatu driver who was found carrying 31 students in Meru County.
In a statement on Saturday, March 30 evening, NTSA said the driver managed to escape arrest after the authority’s officials impounded the matatu.
According to NTSA, the students who were coming from Tharaka Nithi County were offered alternative means of transport to get to their homes.
“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 arrangements were made for the learners. The vehicle has been towed to the police station for further action,” read the statement in part.
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NTSA urged schools and drivers to exercise caution when transporting students.
“Drivers and school management entrusted with the safety of our children must understand their responsibility,” the authority added.
The incident comes at a time when the government has renewed efforts to mitigate the rising cases of road accidents in the country.
Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen last week ordered a mandatory retesting of all Public Service Vehicles(PSVs) and heavy commercial vehicle drivers.
He also directed NTSA and the National Police Service (NPS) to intensify the nationwide crackdown on all unroadworthy vehicles and those not integrated with the intelligent road safety management system for transmission of speed limiter data.
CS Murkomen further directed NTSA to put in place measures for the implementation of medical testing of all drivers before the issuance of any new driving licences and renewal to ensure that only medically fit drivers are licensed to drive.
