NTSA Revokes Nicco Movers 1 Sacco Licence After KMTC Student Death

The National Transport and Safety Authority has revoked the operating licence of Nicco Movers 1 Sacco with immediate effect. This follows the death of 19-year-old KMTC student Eugene Mutuku.

He was allegedly thrown from a moving matatu along Thika Road on June 5. Mutuku sustained severe injuries and died later at Kenyatta National Hospital. An autopsy pointed to multiple body injuries and internal bleeding.

NTSA said its investigations revealed that the Sacco's management had lost control of its fleet. The authority also cited inadequate safety protocols and failure to tackle major safety concerns.

Vehicles under the Sacco were judged unsafe for road users. Police have orders to impound any Nicco Movers 1 vehicles found operating despite the revocation.

The incident has left the driver and conductor of the specific matatu still at large. Two Sacco directors have appeared in court over the matter and were released on bond.

This action fits a pattern of NTSA crackdowns on errant public transport operators. In 2025, the authority suspended Super Metro's operations after a passenger was reportedly ejected from a moving vehicle. That probe uncovered issues including expired licences, faulty speed limiters and unqualified drivers. Super Metro challenged the suspension in court. Operations later resumed after compliance steps.

Such moves often trigger service disruptions for daily commuters. Nicco Movers 1 mainly serves routes between Githurai, Juja, Thika and Nairobi's central business district.

The busy Thika Road corridor has seen repeated safety complaints. Reckless crew behaviour and poor vehicle maintenance frequently feature in public criticism of matatu operations.

NTSA has revoked or suspended licences of multiple Saccos in recent years for similar violations. In one 2024 exercise, dozens of operators lost their permits over non-compliance. These decisions aim to enforce standards but can leave passengers scrambling for alternatives.

Commuters who depend on Nicco vehicles now face uncertainty. The revocation is set to hold until the Sacco meets all requirements.

The tragedy has renewed demands for better oversight in Kenya's matatu sector. Families of road crash victims continue pressing for accountability from operators and authorities alike.

As police pursue the crew members, more details could surface about events inside the vehicle that day. Operators across the board have been reminded to vet staff rigorously and keep vehicles in top condition.