NAIROBI, Kenya — The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has issued a stern warning to motorists across the country as schools prepare to close for the long December holiday, urging heightened caution to ensure the safety of schoolchildren traveling home.
In a statement released on Tuesday, October 7, the Authority emphasized the urgent need for motorists and public transport operators to adopt safer driving practices, particularly during the wet season.
The move is part of NTSA’s intensified #WatotoWafikeSalama (Let the Children Arrive Safely) campaign, which seeks to protect young passengers during the high-travel period.
“With schools set to close in the coming weeks, children across the country will be eagerly heading home,” the statement read.
“The Authority, in partnership with various stakeholders, will heighten Operation #WatotoWafikeSalama Campaign through road safety education, intensified patrols, and enforcement initiatives along major transport corridors.”
NTSA said it would work closely with law enforcement, county governments, and transport associations to enforce traffic regulations and discourage reckless driving.
The Authority also revealed plans to expand road safety education, focusing on drivers of school and public transport vehicles.
In light of the ongoing rainy season, NTSA cautioned drivers to adapt to the slippery and low-visibility conditions that have contributed to an increase in road accidents.
“Motorists must mitigate these dangers and ensure the safe journey of every child,” the statement warned.
Drivers were advised to observe safe speeds, avoid flooded roads, and maintain mechanical safety by checking tyres, brakes, wipers, and lights before travel.
The agency further encouraged adherence to the “Turn around, don’t drown” principle to prevent vehicles from being swept away by floodwaters.
To ensure passenger safety, the Authority also called on transport operators to strictly enforce the use of seatbelts for all children and to avoid overloading, which remains a leading cause of fatalities in school transport vehicles.
“The safety of children during school closures is a collective responsibility that demands action,” NTSA added. “We must all play our part to ensure children travel home safely.”
The statement comes amid an increase in road traffic incidents involving school transport vehicles and public service operators ferrying students home at the end of the term.
Data from NTSA shows that road accidents tend to spike during festive and school closure periods due to increased travel and poor weather conditions.
As the #WatotoWafikeSalama campaign gains momentum, NTSA has reiterated its commitment to minimizing road fatalities through education, enforcement, and collaboration.
