Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has ordered the suspension of the operation license of Modern Coast Buses with immediate effect.
In a statement dated Friday, December 30, CS Murkomen noted that the decision was reached after he received a report from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).
“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,” he stated.
Modern Coast Express Limited had earlier issued a statement after it was reported that one person died following the incident on the morning of Wednesday, December 28.
According to reports, the lost life was a pedestrian who was hit by the bus as it veered off the road and moments later plunging into the said river in Masosa area. However, in its response, the company has denied one person having died following the accident.
The company assured that all the passengers on board were rescued, with those who had sustained minor injuries being rushed to hospital. A replacement bus was deployed for the passengers to continue with their journey.
Also Read One dead, Several Injured As Modern Coast Bus Plunges Into Nyakomisaro River, Kisii
Back to the suspension, Murkomen clarified that the license had been reinstated in November after the bus company had complied with the regulations set by NTSA.
“The operations were allowed to resume in November this year after the company complied with all the conditions that had been set for them,” the statement read in part.
Among the requirements were that all public vehicles were well-serviced and that drivers were well-rested before getting behind the wheel.
Following the suspension, Murkomen directed that the bus company settle passengers who had booked their travel with them.
The CS further sounded a warning to motorists, those in both public and private vehicles, who flaunt traffic rules promising an intensified clampdown.
“Motorists must also avoid reckless overtaking, overlapping, and driving under the influence of alcohol. We will double down on our efforts to ensure all motorists adhere to these measures,” the statement read in part.
Murkomen stated that the Ministry would issue a comprehensive statement on the matter once investigations on the cause of the frequent accidents involving Modern Coast buses are concluded.
On December 30, Kenyans.co.ke reached out to the bus company on the validity of its operation license following the suspension on July 24.
The suspension came after a bus plunged into the Nithi River, claiming the lives of 36 passengers on board.
