Mandatory Safety Inspections to Begin Next Week
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) will next week begin mandatory compliance checks on school buses and vans across Kenya. The move comes as learners prepare to return for the new term on April 27.
Under the ongoing ‘Operation Watoto Wafike Salama,’ the authority aims to ensure the safety of students commuting to and from school. The NTSA has warned that poorly maintained vehicles remain a leading cause of road accidents involving learners.
Focus Areas for Inspections
The inspections will focus on several critical safety components. These include the mechanical condition of brakes, tires, and lights, as well as the overall structural integrity of the vehicles. Officials will also verify the functionality of speed limiters and the availability of safety belts.
Additionally, the NTSA will check for route compliance. School transport must operate only within designated and approved routes. For more resources on school regulations and education news, visit teacher.co.ke.
Strict Operating Hours and Driver Sobriety
In a bid to reduce risks associated with low visibility, the NTSA reiterated that school buses must not operate before 6:00 am or after 6:00 pm. The authority emphasized that early morning and late evening travel significantly increases the likelihood of accidents.
Enforcement officers will also conduct sobriety checks and verify the qualifications of all school bus drivers. The National Police Service recently flagged road safety concerns, prompting this intensified crackdown during the reopening period.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
The NTSA has warned school administrations that non-compliance will lead to severe penalties. This includes the immediate withdrawal of operating licenses for vehicles and schools that fail to meet the required standards.
The authority maintains that these measures are necessary to protect learners and ensure they reach their destinations safely as they resume their studies.