The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has issued a nationwide advisory urging schools to strictly follow transport safety rules ahead of the reopening scheduled for April 27. The guidance comes as thousands of learners prepare to travel back to school, increasing activity on major highways and urban routes.

Through the #WatotoWafikeSalama campaign, the authority emphasized the need for shared responsibility among school administrators, transport providers, parents, and motorists. NTSA warned that failure to observe safety regulations during the busy travel period could expose learners to preventable risks.

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School administrators have been directed to ensure vehicles used for student transport are compliant with all road safety requirements. This includes confirming that buses are mechanically sound, licensed, and equipped with working safety features such as seat belts and speed governors. The authority also stressed that only qualified and vetted drivers should be assigned to transport learners.

Transport providers were cautioned against overloading and urged to strictly observe speed limits. NTSA also encouraged schools to properly plan travel schedules to avoid driver fatigue and maintain updated records for both vehicles and drivers. Clear communication with parents about travel arrangements was also highlighted as critical.

Parents were advised to verify that transport arrangements meet safety standards before allowing their children to travel. The authority encouraged guardians to check vehicle condition, confirm driver credentials, and ensure learners understand basic road safety practices.

Motorists have also been urged to exercise heightened caution, particularly near schools, bus pick-up points, and pedestrian crossings. Drivers were reminded to reduce speed in school zones and stay alert for children crossing roads.

Commuter Impact

The advisory is expected to affect travel patterns across Nairobi and major highways:

• Increased school bus movement on key commuter routes
• Possible congestion during early morning and late afternoon hours
• More police and NTSA enforcement checks on buses and matatus
• Slower traffic near schools and boarding points

Actionable Advice for Commuters

• Leave earlier than usual to avoid back-to-school traffic delays
• Expect slower movement near school zones and bus stops
• Watch for sudden stops by school buses picking learners
• Avoid overtaking in areas with heavy student movement
• Stay alert during peak hours, especially on highways leaving Nairobi

NTSA emphasized that road safety during the school reopening period depends on collective responsibility, urging all road users to prioritize the safety of learners.

Source: The Standard