As schools across Kenya prepare to reopen for the new term, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has rolled out a comprehensive safety checklist for drivers and conductors. The initiative, part of the ongoing Operation Watoto Wafike Salama, aims to ensure that children are safely transported to and from school. With the increase in road traffic incidents, this campaign emphasizes the need for strict adherence to road safety standards for school transport vehicles.
Mandatory Safety Requirements for School Transport Vehicles
In a public notice issued on August 20, 2025, the NTSA outlined several key requirements that all Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operators must follow. These include:
- Roadworthiness: All school transport vehicles must be roadworthy and possess valid inspection certificates, road service licenses (RSL), and insurance documents.
- Functional Speed Limiters: Vehicles must have functional speed limiters that actively transmit data to the Intelligent Road Safety Management System (IRSMS). This system helps NTSA monitor PSV compliance in real-time.
- Proper Servicing: Vehicles must be properly serviced, ensuring that essential components such as brakes, tires, lights, and side mirrors are in full working condition.
Driver and Conductor Requirements
In addition to the vehicle requirements, the NTSA has set guidelines for drivers and conductors:
- Valid Documents: All drivers and conductors must possess valid driving licenses and PSV badges.
- Seat Belts for Children: All children must wear seat belts at all times while in the vehicle.
- Passenger Limit: There should be no excess passengers in the vehicle, and no child or part of their body should be hanging outside the vehicle.
- Report Substance Abuse: Drivers and conductors are urged to report any child suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol to the appropriate authorities.
Free Motor Vehicle Inspection Clinics
To ensure compliance with the safety standards, NTSA has announced free motor vehicle inspection clinics for school transport vehicles. These clinics will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at NTSA inspection centers across the country.
The inspections aim to guide vehicle owners and school administrations on corrective measures needed to enhance the safety of school-going children. The clinics will be available in key towns, including:
- Mombasa
- Machakos
- Kakamega
- Kisumu
- Nairobi (Likoni Rd)
- Nakuru
- Voi
- Nyeri
- Embu
- Kericho
- Uasin Gishu
- Kitale
- Thika
- Meru
- Garissa
- Nyahururu
A separate session will be held in Kisii County on Friday, August 22, a day earlier than the rest.
Addressing Safety Concerns in School Transport
The NTSA also addressed some of the safety concerns discovered in recent inspections of school transport vehicles. These include:
- Speed Limiters: Some vehicles had either not installed speed limiters or were operating with expired speed limiters, violating the KS 2295:2018 standards.
- Substandard Interior Conditions: Several vehicles had worn-out upholstery, unstable cushions, torn or jagged seat edges, malfunctioning door locks, and faulty sliding rails.
- Missing or Defective Seat Belts: Some vehicles lacked seat belts, while in others, the seat belts and buckles were defective.
NTSA’s Commitment to Road Safety
The NTSA emphasized that the ongoing campaign is critical for enhancing road safety as schools reopen. NTSA Director-General, Daniel Kiptoo, stressed the importance of vehicle operators complying with the outlined safety measures, urging them to take part in the inspection clinics.
“We are committed to ensuring that all school transport vehicles are mechanically sound and comply with roadworthiness standards to guarantee the safety of our children,” Kiptoo stated.
Conclusion
With the reopening of schools, the NTSA is taking proactive steps to ensure the safety of schoolchildren through comprehensive safety checks for all school transport vehicles. By adhering to the safety checklist, which includes maintaining roadworthy vehicles, ensuring valid documents, and prioritizing child safety, drivers and conductors can help prevent accidents and ensure that students travel safely.
The free inspection clinics provide an opportunity for school vehicle operators to ensure their vehicles meet the required standards before the school term begins, helping create a safer and more secure journey for children.
