Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen has directed the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to suspend the Modern Coast operating license over safety concerns.
The latest comes barely a month after the company's license was reinstated.
In a statement shared via his official Twitter account, Murkomen directed the company to ensure that all passengers who had booked with the company are facilitated for safe and seamless travel to their destinations.
The suspension came after an accident involving a Modern Coast bus travelling from Mombasa to Homa bay.
During the accident that occurred at River Masosa at Makutano junction in Kisii, one person lost his life while others were left injured.
The driver of the bus was said to have lost control, veered off the road and plunged into the river.
"Following the December 28 accident, I have directed NTSA to suspend all operations of the modern coast bus company with immediate effect as investigations continue," the statement reads in parts.
My statement on the suspension of Modern Coast Express Limited operating Licence. pic.twitter.com/yRZtwLmlJS— KIPCHUMBA MURKOMEN, E.G.H (@kipmurkomen) December 30, 2022
The CS additionally pointed out that the suspension was fueled by a report from NTSA regarding a similar accident that occurred on July 24, 2022.
At the time the Modern Coast bus heading to Mombasa from Meru fell off the bridge into the river about 40 metres below. Eyewitnesses said the driver of the 45-capacity vehicle appeared to lose control as the speeding bus hurled down the steep slope on the notorious blackspot.
"This raises concerns about the state of operations and safety levels at the bus company coming just months after the River Nithi accident that occurred on July 24, leaving 36 people dead and many others injured," the statement added.
"The July accident led to the suspension of the license of the bus company for three months. 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 CS added.
