NAIROBI, Kenya — The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has called on motorists to slow down to 30 kilometres per hour in all school zones, warning that higher speeds increase the risk and severity of crashes involving children.
In an update issued on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, as part of its road-safety campaign, NTSA urged drivers to remain particularly vigilant whenever approaching schools and areas frequented by school-going children.
The authority said maintaining a speed of 30km/h gives drivers more time to identify hazards, react to children entering the road and bring vehicles to a safe stop.
“Protect Our Children, Slow Down to 30 km/h in School Zones,” NTSA said.
The authority added that lower speeds can reduce both the likelihood of a collision and the severity of injuries when a crash occurs.
Drivers warned to exercise extra caution near schools
NTSA urged motorists not to treat school zones like ordinary sections of road, noting that children may suddenly cross roads or enter the path of moving vehicles.
Drivers have consequently been encouraged to reduce their speed before reaching a school zone, rather than waiting until they encounter children on the road.
The authority also called on motorists to remain attentive and avoid distractions when driving near schools.
Particular caution is required where children are walking along roads, crossing streets or boarding and alighting from school transport vehicles.
Why NTSA wants 30km/h near schools
Lower vehicle speeds give motorists additional time to respond to unexpected hazards and reduce the distance required for a vehicle to come to a complete stop.
The measure is therefore intended to protect children and other vulnerable road users, particularly in areas where schools are located close to busy roads or pedestrian infrastructure is limited.
NTSA said a driver travelling at 30km/h has a better opportunity to spot a child, react and stop safely compared with a vehicle travelling at a substantially higher speed.
The authority is also seeking to reduce the seriousness of injuries in cases where collisions do occur.
NTSA steps up road-safety messaging
The latest warning forms part of NTSA’s wider road-safety campaign aimed at encouraging responsible driving and reducing road crashes in Kenya.
School-going children are considered particularly vulnerable because of their limited ability to judge vehicle speeds and the possibility of unpredictable movements around busy roads.
NTSA urged motorists to take personal responsibility for protecting children during school journeys.
“Drive responsibly, watch out for school-going children, and help keep every school journey safe,” the authority said.
The authority’s message comes as schools and roads continue to experience increased interaction between vehicles and pedestrians, making cautious driving around school zones especially important.
