NTSA issues 9-point back-to-school safety checklist for drivers, conductors
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has issued a fresh safety checklist for drivers and conductors transporting school-going children, urging them to ensure vehicles meet all road safety requirements before learners embark on their journeys. The advisory comes as schools prepare for increased movement of learners on Kenyan roads, a period that traditionally sees […]
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has released a comprehensive 9-point back-to-school safety checklist aimed at drivers and conductors responsible for transporting school children. As Kenyan schools reopen and traffic involving school buses and vans increases, the advisory emphasizes the importance of ensuring all vehicles meet stringent road safety requirements before learners begin their journeys.
The checklist highlights several key safety measures. Operators must verify that their vehicles are roadworthy, with a valid inspection certificate, Road Service Licence (RSL), and insurance coverage. The speed limiter on the vehicle must be functional and transmit data to NTSA’s Intelligent Road Safety Management System (IRSMS), allowing authorities to monitor vehicle behavior.
Regular servicing, including inspections of brakes, tyres, lights, and side mirrors, is also mandatory to ensure vehicles are in proper working condition.
Drivers and conductors are required to carry valid driver's licences and PSV badges. Crucially, all children must wear their seat belts throughout the journey, and operators are warned against carrying excess passengers, with vehicles operating within their approved passenger capacity. Additionally, children should never travel with any part of their bodies hanging outside the vehicle.
The NTSA has also instructed operators to report any instances where a child is suspected to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. These safety measures are part of a broader NTSA initiative to enhance school transport safety and reduce road crashes involving children. The authority's #WatotoWafikeSalama campaign, launched earlier in 2026, encourages schools to ensure vehicles are roadworthy, drivers are qualified, and safety equipment is functional.
NTSA has consistently stressed the importance of speed management, driver conduct, and vehicle condition, given the heightened risks associated with transporting large numbers of children.
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