The National Transport and Safety Authority has directed all school transport operators to present their vehicles for mandatory inspection ahead of the opening of Term Two, as authorities move to tighten student safety on Kenyan roads.
The nationwide directive targets school buses, vans, and contracted vehicles used to ferry learners. According to NTSA, the inspections are meant to confirm that vehicles are mechanically sound, roadworthy, and safe for transporting children during the busy back-to-school period.
The checks will focus on critical safety areas such as brakes, tyres, lights, seat belts, steering systems, and general structural condition. Inspectors are also expected to verify that speed limiters are installed and functioning properly, while ensuring vehicles have valid inspection certificates, insurance cover, and relevant operating licences.
In addition to vehicle checks, NTSA says drivers and conductors will also face scrutiny. Officials want to confirm that drivers are properly licensed, medically fit, disciplined on the road, and free from alcohol or any substance that could impair judgment while carrying learners.
The directive comes shortly after a fatal road crash along the Narok–Mai Mahiu road that claimed seven lives, renewing concerns over transport safety standards. NTSA says it is working with the National Police Service to investigate the tragedy and prevent similar incidents.
The authority has also reminded school transporters to observe existing operating rules, including approved routes and restrictions against operating before 6 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
Parents, schools, and transport providers are now being urged to prioritize compliance, with NTSA warning that non-compliant vehicles could be barred from carrying learners once schools reopen.
The nationwide directive targets school buses, vans, and contracted vehicles used to ferry learners. According to NTSA, the inspections are meant to confirm that vehicles are mechanically sound, roadworthy, and safe for transporting children during the busy back-to-school period.
The checks will focus on critical safety areas such as brakes, tyres, lights, seat belts, steering systems, and general structural condition. Inspectors are also expected to verify that speed limiters are installed and functioning properly, while ensuring vehicles have valid inspection certificates, insurance cover, and relevant operating licences.
In addition to vehicle checks, NTSA says drivers and conductors will also face scrutiny. Officials want to confirm that drivers are properly licensed, medically fit, disciplined on the road, and free from alcohol or any substance that could impair judgment while carrying learners.
The directive comes shortly after a fatal road crash along the Narok–Mai Mahiu road that claimed seven lives, renewing concerns over transport safety standards. NTSA says it is working with the National Police Service to investigate the tragedy and prevent similar incidents.
The authority has also reminded school transporters to observe existing operating rules, including approved routes and restrictions against operating before 6 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
Parents, schools, and transport providers are now being urged to prioritize compliance, with NTSA warning that non-compliant vehicles could be barred from carrying learners once schools reopen.
