NTSA Introduces Strict New Rules for School Buses and Drivers

NTSA Road Safety Manager Eva Nyawira speaking during the 49th Kenya Secondary Schools Head Association annual conference in Mombasa PHOTO/NTSA

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has announced new requirements for school transport operators, drivers and vehicles as part of efforts to improve the safety of learners on Kenyan roads ahead of the implementation of new regulations in July.

Speaking during the 49th Kenya Secondary Schools Head Association annual conference in Mombasa, NTSA Road Safety Manager Eva Nyawira said the authority was finalising preparations for the rollout of the new school transport framework while addressing outstanding concerns raised by stakeholders.

Nyawira said the regulations will require school vehicles to meet strict safety standards, including regular inspections and routine maintenance to ensure they remain mechanically sound throughout their operation.

She noted that vehicle owners should not rely solely on inspection certificates but should also continuously monitor the condition of their vehicles before and after every trip.

Transport Guidelines

Under the new guidelines, all school transport vehicles will be required to be roadworthy and equipped with key safety features.

These include functional speed governors, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, seatbelts for every learner and clear markings identifying the vehicles as school transport units.

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“The provisions on school vehicles include ensuring these school vehicles are roadworthy, regularly inspected, have a functional seatbelt for every child, and have a functional speed governor,” Nyawira explained.

She emphasized that every child using school transport must have an individual seat and wear a seatbelt throughout the journey.

NTSA Instructions

NTSA also warned against overloading, saying it compromises the safety of learners and increases the risk of injuries during accidents.

Nyawira further highlighted the need for drivers to be familiar with the routes they operate to ensure the safe and efficient transportation of students.

According to NTSA, route awareness is a key factor in reducing road risks and improving response during emergencies.

The road safety manager expressed concern over the number of children involved in road accidents, revealing that about 30% of all crashes recorded on Kenyan roads involve persons below the age of 18.

Road Safety

“30% of all the crashes that we observe on our roads involve children under the age of 18, so that is a big number, and as educators, we really need to deal with this,” Nyawira said.

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She called on educators, transport providers and other stakeholders to work together in promoting road safety and protecting learners.

The new regulations are expected to strengthen safety standards in the school transport sector and reduce the risk of accidents involving school-going children.

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