The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has issued a warning to motorists as schools across the country break for the April holiday.
In a statement on Thursday, April 3, NTSA emphasized the need for urgent measures to ensure the safe travel of schoolchildren as they head home for the holidays.
The Authority highlighted that close supervision of children and the identification of safe vehicles to transport them are critical to ensuring their safety.
“In the past, the country witnessed cases of reckless driving, distractions by students, and unfortunately, some of the incidents led to fatal and serious injuries,” NTSA said.
“Through close collaboration with law enforcement, parents/guardians, school management, transport service providers and school children, such incidents can be prevented.”
NTSA Issues Safety Warning to Motorists as Schools Break for April Holiday
NTSA revealed that in the last six months, the Authority has suspended two hundred and eighty-eight (288) driving licenses, and four hundred and twenty (420) drivers have been subjected to a driver retest.
This action followed public reports of driver misconduct, speed violations recorded on the NTSA Intelligent Road Safety Management System (IRSMS), findings from safety compliance audits conducted on public service operators, and court outcomes.
“Working with the National Police Service during this period and the Easter festivities, there will be a major focus on driver/conductor behavior, vehicle safety compliance and Usalama Barabarani education,” NTSA added.
NTSA stated that all motorists are therefore required to practice road safety and take responsibility for their actions.
Additionally, the authority urged road users to remain vigilant, exercise caution, and report incidents of dangerous driving to the police.
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Students Die, Others Injured in Separate Accidents
This notice follows two regrettable road accidents on Wednesday, April 2, in Homa Bay County, involving learners from Ober Boys Boarding Comprehensive School and Mbita High School.
The first accident, involving learners from Ober Boys Boarding, occurred at Kibuon along the Sondu-Ahero Road when a matatu carrying students from the school rammed into a stationary lorry.
The impact of the accident led to fatalities, including three learners. Three other students sustained injuries and are currently undergoing treatment.
In the second case, a vehicle veered off the road and hit four students from Mbita High School.
The injured boys rushed to Prince Richard Hospital in Mbita. Two of the boys have been referred to Homa Bay Teaching and Referral Hospital for further medical attention and are currently in stable condition.
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Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Julius Ogamba stated that the Ministry is working with law enforcement agencies to conduct thorough investigations into the causes of the two accidents.
“On my behalf and on behalf of the Ministry of Education, I send our condolences to the bereaved families and also wish a quick recovery to all those injured in the two accidents,” he said.
Ogamba also appealed to motorists to strictly adhere to traffic regulations to safeguard lives, especially during this week when learners will be traveling to their homes for the April holidays.
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