The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has banned Eastland-based matatus belonging to Forward Travellers Sacco from operating in Nairobi which has left many commuters stranded.

This is after the tragic accident on Saturday, May,11, along Jogoo Road, which led to loss of three lives. The accident occurred as the vehicle was heading to Nairobi CBD from Kayole area.

NTSA officials had closed-door meetings to plan their next move after the stern directive, as reported by TV47.

The ban has left numerous commuters who depend on the matatus for their affordability and convenience stranded.

“This is where we get our money for daily usage, if Forward has done anything wrong then the government, kindly help us,” one man said in a video.

Commuters who usually use the matatus are not happy about the higher fare prices during the rush hours, which have gone up to between KSh100 and KSh150, compared to the usual fare of around KSh70.

“You’ll find matatus charging KSh120-KSh150 because they are few and want to make profits. Some people will be forced to walk due the hiked prices,” a commuter said.

Commuters had a hard time on May 3, when NTSA cancelled licenses for 64 PSV Saccos. NTSA instructed the National Police service to impound any PSV operating under the revoked Saccos.

In a notice on Thursday May, 2, the transport regulator cautioned the public against boarding these vehicles.

Some of the affected Saccos include Kensilver, operating on Nairobi, Maua, Embu, and Meru routes; Mbukinya operating on Nairobi, Nakuru, Kapsabet, Chavakali, Busia, and Luanda routes; and Moline, operating on Nairobi, Nakuru, Eldoret, and Kitale routes.