CS Murkomen suspends Modern Coast operating license
National
By
Fred Kagonye
| Dec 30, 2022
A bus belonging to Modern Coast Bus is being retrieved from Nyakomisaro river in the outskirts of Kisii County on December 28, 2022. [Sammy Omingo, Standard]
Transport Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen has suspended the operating license of Modern Coast over safety concerns.
The CS directed the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to suspend the bus company all operations with immediate effect after receiving a report probing an accident involving one of its buses in Kisii on December 28, 2022.
The bus was travelling from Mombasa to Homa Bay when the accident happened at River Masosa at Makutano Junction in Kisii leading to the death of one person while several others sustained injuries.
Murkomen further directed the bus company to make sure that all travellers that had made bookings with the company to be facilitated for a safe and seamless travel to their destinations.
"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," said Murkomen in the statement.
According to Murkomen the operation license of the company was suspended for three months and they were given a go-ahead to operate in November after complying with all conditions that had been set for them.
Murkomen called on travel companies to comply with measures laid down by the Transport and Interior ministries on December 20, 2022, which he says are aimed at reducing road carnage.
The measures are ensuring vehicles are well-serviced, drivers well-rested before driving, and proper display and positioning of signage.
Others are observing speed limits and passenger capacity, towing stalled vehicles within an hour, adhering to designated routes and paying attention to traffic signs and traffic lights.
Murkomen also advised motorists to avoid reckless overtaking, overlapping, and driving under the influence of alcohol.
He said that his ministry will double down on their efforts to make sure that the measures are adhered to by motorists.
"As a Ministry, we take the matter of road safety seriously and will not hesitate to take stern action against anyone flouting traffic rules in our efforts to preserve and protect the lives of Kenyans," he said.