The Long-Distance Drivers and Conductors Association (LoDDCA) has faulted the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) for failing to regulate unsafe public service vehicles (PSVs), linking them to recent accidents that claimed 20 lives along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway.
In a statement issued Monday morning, the association pointed out that both crashes a head-on collision involving a 14-seater matatu that killed 13 on Sunday, and an ambulance accident that left six dead on Saturday involved the Toyota Hiace H200 series.
LoDDCA argued that the H200 model, widely used as matatus, was originally designed as a cargo vehicle and not for passenger transport. Its cab-over-engine design leaves little room for crumple zones, exposing passengers to higher risks in frontal crashes. The association described the vehicles as “death traps” and accused NTSA of negligence.
“A safer alternative exists in the Toyota Hiace H300 series, designed with reinforced passenger safety standards. But NTSA has failed to enforce its adoption, leaving Kenyans vulnerable,” LoDDCA said.
Introduced in 2004, the H200 series was phased out globally in 2019, giving way to the Toyota Hiace H300. The newer model features a semi-bonnet design, better crumple zones, and advanced safety systems such as Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) with features like Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and lane departure alerts.
Beyond unsafe vehicles, LoDDCA also criticized NTSA for poor enforcement of the NTSA Act, corruption in licensing, and leadership failures. It noted that some drivers still obtain licences without basic Highway Code knowledge, while delays in issuing smart licences, logbooks, and number plates remain widespread.
Although NTSA has not yet responded to the latest criticism, it has recently launched road safety campaigns and crackdowns in partnership with the National Police Service to curb road carnage.
LoDDCA, however, insists that phasing out the Hiace H200 series and tightening enforcement are urgent steps needed to save lives.
