Confusion on ban affecting Modern Coast Buses, NTSA denies lift the ban

Contradicting information has emerged following the ban that was imposed on Modern Coast Buses on December 12, 2019 by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), after two of their buses were involved in a fatal crash.

In a tweet, NTSA under the leadership of Director General George Njao refuted claims that they had lifted the ban.

“Modern Coast Suspension this is to notify members of the public that the suspension of Modern Coast Express has not been lifted” said NTSA.

List of cleared Buses. Confusion on ban affecting Modern Coast Buses NTSA suspends Modern Coast License following morning crash that left 5 dead, 62 injured along Mombasa-Nairobi Highway Pulse Live Kenya

Modern Coast Management

However, in a quick rejoinder, the Modern Coast Management, unleashed a letter received from NTSA, dated December 17^th, 2019, with an indication that they had been given the green light to hit the road once again.

The letter seen by PulseLive, indicates that a total of 42 buses had been cleared for operations. The confusion surrounding the ban forced Modern Coast to call upon their Customers to bare with them as they sort out the issue.

“To our customers, we would like to clarify that we received the letter below from @ntsa_kenya lifting our suspension hence resumption of operation. Please note that the earlier communication was based on the letter below. We shall update and advise on the way forward shortly” reads a tweet from NTSA.

Confusion on ban affecting Modern Coast Buses Confusion on ban affecting Modern Coast Buses Pulse Live Kenya

On December 12^th, two Modern Coast Buses where involved in a fatal crash along Mombasa-Nairobi highway, resulting to the suspension of their operating license.

Earlier on Modern Coast Management had said “We apologise for the inconvenience caused to all affected passengers who were not able to travel between the 12.12.2019 and 16.12.2019 We shall share the full scheduled buses for today 17.12.2019 within 1 hour. Modern Coast Express Limited”.

List of cleared Buses. Confusion on ban affecting Modern Coast Buses List of cleared Buses. Confusion on ban affecting Modern Coast Buses Pulse Live Kenya

License suspended

On December 12, 2019, NTSA suspended the operating license for Modern Coast Bus Company, following a fatal crash that left 5 dead and 62 people injured.

“NTSA suspends Modern Coast license. Over the last couple of days, the Authority has been monitoring the operations of Modern Coast Bus Express Limited following reports of several near fatal crashes. Following the early Thursday morning crash involving two of their buses, the Authority has with immediate effect suspended the Company's operator's licence and initiated a thorough investigation into its safety standards and operations. The Company's access to the NTSA portal has been deactivated to limit any activities on their 88 vehicles, as the investigation continues.

The National Police has also been advised to impound any of their vehicles from operating contrary to this suspension.

We take this opportunity to condole with all those who lost their loved ones through this tragic crash and pray quick recovery for the injured.

George Njao

Director General”