MINISTRY OF ROADS AND TRANSPORT OFFICE OF THE CABINET SECRETARY PRESS STATEMENT 30TH DECEMBER 2022
RE: SUSPENSION OF MODERN COAST EXPRESS LIMITED OPERATING LICENSE
I have received a report from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) on the road crash involving a Modern Coast bus registration number T247DKE heading to Homa Bay from Mombasa on 28th December 2022.
The accident, which occurred at River Masosa at Makutano Junction in Kisii County, left one person dead and scores injured.
This raises concerns about the state of operations and safety levels at the bus company coming just months after the River Nithi accident that occurred on 24th July 2022, leaving 36 people dead and many others injured.
The July accident led to the suspension of the license of the bus company for three months. The operations were allowed to resume in November this year after the company complied with all the conditions that had been set for them.
Following the 28th December accident, I have directed NTSA to suspend all operations of the Modern Coast bus company with immediate effect, as investigations into the accident continue.
The bus company must also ensure that all passengers who had booked with them are facilitated to allow for safe and seamless travel to their destinations.
In our joint press conference with the Cabinet Secretary for Interior on 20th December 2022, we outlined a number of measures that motorists, PSV owners and passengers must take to reduce road carnage during the festive season and beyond.
Among these measures include the need to ensure vehicles are well-serviced and drivers well-rested before taking to the road, proper display and positioning of signage like triangles, chevrons, and retro-reflective, towing of stalled vehicles within one hour, observing speed limits and passenger capacity, adherence to designated routes, and paying attention to traffic signs and traffic lights.
Motorists must also avoid reckless overtaking, overlapping, and driving under the influence of alcohol.
Now that the festive season is almost over and passengers are travelling back to their places of work, we will double down on our efforts to ensure all motorists adhere to these measures.
As a Ministry, we take the matter of road safety seriously and we will not hesitate to take stern action against anyone flouting traffic rules in our efforts to preserve and protect the lives of Kenyans.
I will issue a comprehensive statement on this matter once the investigations are complete.
Hon. Kipchumba Murkomen, EGH.
CABINET SECRETARY
