NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 25 — Motorists have been urged to reduce their speed to 30 kilometres per hour when approaching school zones, with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) warning that slowing down can make the difference between avoiding a collision and seriously injuring a child.
The warning comes as movement around schools increases, bringing more children onto roads, pedestrian crossings, bus stops and public transport routes during the morning and afternoon school commute.
In a road-safety advisory issued on Tuesday, NTSA asked motorists to treat areas around schools differently from ordinary sections of road and to anticipate children crossing unexpectedly.
“Protect Our Children, Slow Down to 30 km/h in School Zones,” the authority said.
NTSA said the lower speed gives motorists more time to identify a child entering the road, react to the danger and bring their vehicle to a stop.
“Please keep 30 km/h in all school zones. Lower speeds give drivers crucial extra time to see a child, more time to react and safely stop,” NTSA said.
“At 30 km/h, you reduce both the chance of a crash and the severity if one occurs.”
School commute puts children close to traffic
The warning is particularly relevant during the morning and evening school rush when children interact directly with Nairobi’s transport network.
Many pupils walk along roads or cross busy transport corridors before boarding school buses, matatus and other vehicles.
For PSV drivers, NTSA’s message means approaching school zones at a speed that allows them to react even when the road ahead initially appears clear.
Children can be less predictable than adult pedestrians and may enter a road suddenly, particularly when crossing to reach a waiting vehicle or travelling in groups.
The authority therefore wants motorists to reduce speed before reaching a school zone, rather than braking only after seeing children.
Why NTSA wants drivers at 30km/h
Speed affects both the amount of time available to react and the severity of a collision.
A vehicle travelling more slowly covers less distance while its driver reacts to a hazard and requires a shorter distance to stop once the brakes are applied.
For a child crossing unexpectedly, those additional moments can be crucial.
NTSA said motorists should therefore remain particularly attentive around schools and avoid distractions that could reduce their ability to react.
“Drive responsibly, watch out for school-going children, and help keep every school journey safe,” the authority said.
Matatu and bus drivers also have a role
The advisory also has implications for public transport.
Nairobi’s extensive matatu routes and numbers network passes through residential areas and major roads where numerous schools are located.
Matatu and bus drivers consequently encounter children not only at designated school zones but also at stages, junctions and pedestrian crossings along their routes.
Public transport crews can also contribute to safer journeys by allowing passengers to board and alight at appropriate locations rather than stopping where children or other pedestrians could be exposed to moving traffic.
The issue becomes especially important along heavily used commuter corridors such as Jogoo Road, Thika Road, Mombasa Road, Ngong Road, Waiyaki Way, Lang’ata Road and Outer Ring Road, where high traffic volumes interact with residential neighbourhoods, schools and pedestrian movement.
Metros’ Nairobi bus stations and matatu stages guide also illustrates how heavily Nairobi’s public transport system depends on passengers moving between vehicles, stages and surrounding pedestrian areas.
Road safety extends beyond the school gate
The 30km/h message also highlights a broader road-safety issue: a child’s journey does not begin or end at the school entrance.
Pupils may have to walk from residential estates, cross roads, use footbridges, wait at matatu stages or travel considerable distances using public transport.
That means protecting school-going children requires caution throughout the surrounding transport environment.
For motorists, NTSA’s message is straightforward — approaching a school should trigger an immediate reduction in speed and increased attention to pedestrians.
With thousands of children sharing Nairobi’s roads with cars, buses, matatus and motorcycles every day, the authority says observing the 30km/h limit can reduce both the probability of a crash and the seriousness of injuries when one occurs.
