NAIROBI, Kenya – As schools reopen for the third term, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has rolled out a new checklist aimed at enhancing the safety of children during their daily commute.
The checklist introduces strict requirements for school transport providers, focusing on vehicle roadworthiness, driver qualifications, and passenger safety.
NTSA officials said the measures are part of the authority’s broader campaign to cut down accidents involving schoolchildren.
“All school vehicles must undergo proper inspection and carry a valid inspection certificate, a current road service license, and valid insurance,” NTSA said in a statement, stressing that vehicle safety begins with proper maintenance.
Key components such as brakes, tyres, lights and mirrors must be in good working order before buses hit the road.
Technology and Driver Requirements
The authority has made speed monitoring a top priority. Each school vehicle must be fitted with a functional speed limiter linked to the Intelligent Road Safety Management System, which transmits real-time data to NTSA to help enforce safe speeds in school zones.
Drivers and conductors must also carry valid driving licenses and Public Service Vehicle (PSV) badges at all times.
Passenger Safety Rules
Inside the buses, NTSA has directed that every child must wear a seat belt, while overloading and unsafe practices such as allowing children or body parts to hang outside moving vehicles are strictly prohibited.
The authority further reminded schools and transport providers of their duty to address cases where learners may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol during transit, saying such incidents must be reported and acted upon immediately.
Shared Responsibility
NTSA urged parents, schools and motorists to familiarise themselves with the new checklist and cooperate with enforcement officers to improve compliance.
“By following these safety standards, schools, parents, and transport providers can collectively create safer journeys for learners,” the authority said.
