The National Transport Safety Authority (NTSA) on Wednesday, April 23, sent out a notice to motorists ahead of the reopening of schools.
Through a statement, NTSA urged motorists to ensure that their vehicles were in tip-top condition and fully functional in order to secure the safety of passengers.
“Ensure the vehicle is serviced and parts including brakes, tires, lights, side mirrors are all functional,” NTSA directed.
Further, NTSA urged drivers to make certain that their cars were suitable for driving on the roads, emphasising the need to ensure they have all the required certificates and insurance.
“Ensure the vehicle is roadworthy with a valid inspection certificate, RSL, and insurance,” the Authority stressed.
Students are set to report back to school from Tuesday, April 28, kickstarting a hectic back-to-school period that is, most times, marred by chaos and fatalities. Also, the current poor weather conditions are forecast to hinder visibility on Kenyan roads, thereby increasing the risk of accidents.
Statistics paint a grim reality, with accidents recording a rise over the years during periods that coincide with the reopening of schools. As of April 2025, NTSA reported that over 1,000 Kenyans have lost their lives in road accidents since January.
The early months of the year often coincide with increased travel due to schools reopening. This surge in movement can contribute to higher accident rates, especially if safety measures are not strictly enforced.
In January, NTSA launched a major crackdown on highways and roads across Kenya ahead of schools opening, in line with the government’s directive issued in December to address road carnage.
In the operation, NTSA safety officers, in partnership with traffic officers from the National Police Service (NPS), strategically positioned themselves to ensure drivers comply with all safety requirements.
Despite the Authority’s interventions, road accidents still saw a rise. In response to the fatal crashes, NTSA issued six road safety directives ahead of the Easter celebrations, urging motorists to adhere to them.
At the top of the list, drivers were urged to drive within the speed limit, followed by a plea to maintain sobriety, terming it "the silent hero of every safe trip home." Drivers were warned against drunk driving as a result.
Thirdly, vehicle owners were directed to remove stalled vehicles as soon as possible and to take precautionary measures like placing signs to warn oncoming traffic. Drivers were also urged to take enough rest and plan in good time to rest well before they begin their journey to maintain alertness when on the road.
Lastly, NTSA directed motorists to report cases of reckless driving to the police through the 911 hotline. Aside from the six directives, NTSA also announced a return of breathalyser tests to Kenyan roads to curb driving under the influence.
