NTSA Orders Mandatory Safety Crackdown on School Buses Ahead of Term Reopening
Kenya’s National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) will next week roll out a nationwide compliance operation targeting school buses and vans, as part of heightened efforts to safeguard learners returning for the new academic term.
The exercise, conducted under the authority’s ongoing Operation Watoto Wafike Salama (Children Arrive Safely), will subject all school transport vehicles to mandatory inspections, focusing on roadworthiness, driver compliance, and adherence to strict safety regulations.
In a statement, NTSA said the crackdown is aimed at addressing persistent safety gaps, warning that poorly maintained vehicles remain a significant contributor to accidents involving school-going children.
“We are committed to ensuring that every child is transported in a safe and compliant vehicle. Operators must meet all requirements without exception,” the authority said.
Mechanical and Safety Complianc
eInspectors will prioritise the mechanical condition of vehicles, including brakes, tyres, lighting systems, and overall structural integrity. Authorities say any vehicle found unfit for operation will be immediately grounded.
A key requirement under scrutiny will be the installation and functionality of safety belts, which NTSA has made mandatory in all school transport vehicles to reduce injuries in the event of a crash.
Driver Conduct and Qualification
The operation will also place strong emphasis on drivers. Officers will verify that all drivers are properly licensed, qualified, and authorised to operate school transport vehicles.
Beyond documentation, NTSA officials will assess driver discipline and behaviour on the road, including adherence to traffic laws while transporting learners.
Sobriety checks will be strictly enforced, with both drivers and conductors required to be free from alcohol or any substances that could impair judgment.
Speed, Routes and Operating Hours
Speed management will form another critical pillar of the inspections. Vehicles must be fitted with compliant and functional speed limiters, with authorities warning that violations will attract immediate penalties.
The agency will also enforce strict route compliance, requiring school vehicles to operate only within approved routes when picking up and dropping off students.
“Deviation from designated routes exposes learners to unnecessary risks and will not be tolerated,” NTSA warned.
Additionally, school transport operators must comply with regulated operating hours, with buses prohibited from operating before 6am or after 6pm — a rule aimed at minimising risks associated with low visibility and fatigue.
Rising Safety Concerns
The enforcement drive comes amid growing road safety concerns flagged by the National Police Service, with authorities seeking to prevent accidents ahead of the school reopening scheduled for the 27th.
NTSA has urged school administrators and transport operators to ensure full compliance before the inspections begin, warning that non-compliant vehicles will face penalties, including suspension from operation.
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