The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has released new guidelines for motorists ahead of school closing later this month, starting October 24.
In a statement on Tuesday, October 7, the authority announced the relaunch of the Operation Watoto Wafike Salama campaign as schools prepare to close in the following weeks, during the rainy season.
"The Authority, in partnership with various stakeholders, will heighten Operation Watoto Wafike Salama Campaign through road safety education, intensifying patrols and enforcement initiatives along major transport corridors," NTSA said in part.
"We also note that wet weather conditions currently experienced in several parts of the country are making roads slippery and reducing visibility, posing further risks."
As such, it issued five directives to mitigate any dangers during this period and ensure every child gets home safely.
Firstly, the authority urged the motorists ferrying students to model safe behaviour and demonstrate responsible driving by obeying traffic regulations.
Most importantly, they have also been urged to adapt to rainy conditions by taking extra precautions and observing safe speeds.
They have also been urged to avoid flooded roads entirely and follow the “Turn around, don’t drown” principle, avoiding puddles and water bodies caused by the ongoing heavy rains.
Another directive they have been issued is ensuring children use their seatbelts throughout the journey, and lastly, ensuring vehicle safety.
Therefore, they have been urged to regularly maintain their vehicles by inspecting tyres, brakes, wipers, and lights for wet weather performance.
"The safety of children during school closures is a collective responsibility that demands action. We must all play our part to ensure children travel home safely," NTSA stated.
Schools are expected to close later this month, starting on October 24, to give way for national examinations, including the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) in November.
In its latest forecast on Tuesday, the Kenya Meteorological Department revealed that several parts of the country would still receive rainfall between October 7 and 13, including the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Coastal regions, the North-eastern Lowlands, the South-eastern Lowlands, and western Kenya.
