The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has issued fresh directives to drivers ahead of school reopening set for Monday, May 13, 2024.
In a statement on May 12, NTSA urged drivers to be cautious, especially those who will be carrying children back to school.
The authority noted that it is already conducting road safety compliance checks along the Narok – Nairobi Road, Mombasa – Nairobi Highway and Kisii County.
“Drivers, be cautious as you drive our children to school. Remember to watch your speed, maintain lane discipline, just keep left and never drink and drive,” NTSA said.
NTSA also explained that it is a collective responsibility to ensure that the children arrive at their respective schools safely, further highlighting violations that should be avoided.
“School transport like all Public Service Vehicles, must comply with traffic rules and regulations. Violations include defective speed limiter and faded chevron and reflectors,” NTSA added.
NTSA Directive to Parents
On April 19, NTSA directed parents and guardians to visit their children’s schools and establish if the school buses have undergone mandatory inspection.
The authority explained that the mandatory inspection was to confirm the safety of the school transport issued by Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen in a bid to curb the rise in accidents.
“We humbly request parents/guardians to reach out to their children’s schools to establish whether they have complied with the directive and all the requirements of the Traffic Act,” read part of the statement.
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Machogu Postpones School Reopening
Schools reopening was extended by two weeks due to the heavy rains which flooded some of the roads and schools across the country.
Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu postponed the reopening from April 29 to May 6, 2024.
The Ministry of Education had earlier directed its field officers to submit data from all Basic Education Learning Institutions countrywide to assist the Government in assessing the readiness of the schools for the Second Term.
“Reports received at the Ministry of Education, corroborated with data from other relevant Government agencies, show that a number of schools in various regions of the country have been adversely affected by the rains,” he said.
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Ruto Reopens Schools
However, on May 3 during his state of the nation address, President William Ruto said the schools will remain closed until further notice.
Days later, he announced that schools will reopen on Monday, May 13, following the advice of the Kenya Meteorological Department.
Speaking on May 8, 2024, Ruto said the decision was based Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) predictions that the rains will reduce.
“All parents are advised on the assessment of weathermen and on the assessment of the Government of Kenya, it will now be safe, and we have made adequate arrangements and therefore all schools will be reopened on Monday, next week,” said Ruto.
The President further said that the government will avail funds for damaged infrastructure in schools through the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF).
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