The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has unveiled new requirements for school transport operators, drivers, and vehicles to enhance learner safety ahead of the rollout of new regulations scheduled for July.
Speaking at the 49th Kenya Secondary Schools Head Association annual conference in Mombasa, NTSA Road Safety Manager Eva Nyawira said the authority was addressing outstanding issues as part of the final preparations to implement the new school transport framework.
Nyawira said vehicles must be properly maintained through routine servicing, not relying only on inspection certificates, but ensuring continuous mechanical safety before and after trips.
However, she warned that road safety remains a major concern, revealing that approximately 30 percent of all road crashes involve children under the age of 18, a figure she described as alarming and requiring urgent intervention.
“30 percent of all the crashes that we observe on our roads involve children under the age of 18, so that is a big number, and as educators, we really need to deal with this,” Nyawira said.
NTSA Set Strict Requirements for School Vehicles
Under the new guidelines, all school vehicles must be roadworthy, regularly inspected, and fitted with essential safety equipment.
These include functional speed governors, fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, and clear identification markings indicating that they are school transport vehicles.
Nyawira said vehicles must be properly maintained through routine servicing, not relying only on inspection certificates, but ensuring continuous mechanical safety before and after trips.
“The provisions on school vehicles include ensuring these school vehicles are roadworthy, regularly inspected, have a functional seatbelt for every child, and have a functional speed governor,” Nyawira explained.
She also warned against overloading, stating that every learner must have a seat and must wear a seatbelt throughout the journey.
At the same time, the NTSA manager noted that drivers must fully understand the routes they operate to ensure the safe and efficient transportation of learners.
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Tough Rules for School Drivers
The new requirements also place strict conditions on school drivers. Drivers must possess the appropriate driving licence category and a valid Public Service Vehicle (PSV) badge.
They are required to be medically fit, free from alcohol and drugs while on duty, and must demonstrate good conduct and integrity.
“In terms of driver requirements, the person must be authorized, qualified, have an appropriate licence category, have a PSV badge and be medically fit,” Nyawira stated.
“They must also demonstrate good conduct and integrity.”
The authority also emphasized the importance of speed compliance, urging drivers to observe safe speeds at all times and ensuring that this is clearly communicated by school administrators.
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Safety Compliance and Operations
NTSA noted that most school transport incidents occur during boarding, alighting, and at pedestrian crossings.
The Authority maintained restrictions on school transport operating hours, generally between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., with allowances only in exceptional cases of delay, provided that safety protocols are fully observed.
The Authority said pickup and drop-off points must be secure, while emergency procedures should be clearly communicated to both drivers and learners,
Principals are expected to supervise drivers, as school transport can become dangerous in the hands of irresponsible drivers.
Responsibilities under the regulations include ensuring vehicles are properly maintained and regularly serviced, and that they are inspected before and after trips to guarantee safety.
Principals must also ensure safe operations with respect to routes, that drivers understand designated routes and safe loading and offloading procedures, and that transport services are continuously monitored.
