- NTSA issued a safety advisory to school transporters as primary and secondary schools closed for the 10-week December holiday on October 26, 2026
- The authority directed drivers to test lights, inspect tyres, and service brakes before carrying students on the road
- The National Police Service warned that the surge in learner travel would raise road accident risks and announced intensified traffic enforcement
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has issued a public safety advisory to all school transporters, urging them to carry out vehicle checks before ferrying students home as the Third Term officially came to a close on October 26, 2026.
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In a statement shared across its official social media channels, the authority warned that failing to maintain vehicles during the high-traffic end-of-term period could put students' lives at risk.
"A roadworthy vehicle saves lives," NTSA stated. "To all back-to-school transporters: test your lights, inspect your tyres, and service your brakes before hitting the road."
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NTSA's 3-point directive to drivers
The authority outlined three checks that drivers must complete before embarking on any journey carrying students: confirming that all headlights, taillights, and indicators are operational; examining tyres for adequate tread depth, correct inflation, and visible wear; and verifying that the braking system is fully functional for safe stopping on busy highways.
An accompanying infographic reinforced these points, reminding drivers to ensure the entire vehicle had been serviced, including side mirrors, and carried the message: "Safe journey back home."
The 10-week December holiday runs from October 20, 2026, to January 1, 2027, a period that historically sees a significant movement of students travelling from urban centres to rural homes, sharply increasing the volume of public service vehicles on the road.
Police to step up traffic enforcement
The National Police Service (NPS) also weighed in, with spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga warning that the anticipated surge in learner travel would raise road accident risks.
Officers will work alongside NTSA to intensify traffic enforcement and public sensitisation efforts, with particular focus on speeding, unroadworthy vehicles, overloading, and failure to use seatbelts.
Nyaga urged motorists to observe designated speed limits, avoid alcohol and drug use while driving, and refrain from using mobile phones behind the wheel. Pedestrians and motorcyclists were also called upon to stay alert.
Parents and guardians were advised to ensure their children board only reputable, roadworthy public service vehicles that comply with safety regulations.
Members of the public can report dangerous driving through the nearest police station, emergency lines 999 and 911, or the #FichuaKwaDCI hotline.
NTSA stated its overriding objective is to "get every student home and to school without incident," promoting the message under the hashtags #WatotoWafikeSalama, #UsalamaBarabarani, and #NTSAServes.
The advisory comes ahead of a packed national examination calendar, with the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) scheduled from October 26 to 29 and the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations running from November 2 to November 20, 2026.
TUKO.co.ke recently highlighted six safety commitments NTSA expects matatu and PSV drivers to uphold after completing its professionalisation training.
The free programme has reached drivers and transport operators across Kenya, as authorities seek to tackle road crashes and strengthen safety across the public transport sector.
Source: TUKO.co.ke