The Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) has called upon the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to adopt a better way to conduct the ongoing crackdown on Public Service Vehicles (PSV) ferrying students back to school.
In a statement on Wednesday, the association revealed that the current approach had left several students stranded on the roads, exposing them to even more dangers than unroadworthy PSVs.
As such, the motorists urged NTSA to come up with a better way that puts the students' safety first.
"We are concerned that the ongoing NTSA crackdown on PSVs has left many students stranded on their way back to school, exposing young girls and boys to insecurity, exploitation, and inflated fares," part of MAK's statement read.
"While road safety is important, enforcement should not endanger children; we urge NTSA to adopt a balanced, humane approach that safeguards learners during this critical back-to-school period."
They further added that the crackdown had led to several matatus that operate on normal days withdrawing from the roads.
PSV Checklist
Just over a week ago, NTSA launched the Watoto Wafike Salama campaign ahead of schools reopening this week.
On August 19, the authority issued a checklist that drivers and conductors of PSV vehicles should adhere to when ferrying students back to school.
Firstly, these operators need to have proof that their vehicle is roadworthy by holding a valid inspection certificate, road service licence (RSL) and insurance.
They are also expected to ensure that all vehicle parts, including the brakes, tyres, lights and wing mirrors, are in working order.
The authority further directed that drivers and conductors ensure every child is securely seated and wearing a seatbelt, with no body parts hanging outside the vehicle during the entire journey.
In case there is a student under the influence of drugs or alcohol in their PSVs, they were advised to report the incident to the authority.
NTSA further urged parents to be on the lookout and ensure that the vehicles their children are using to travel back to school are roadworthy.
On Saturday, August 23, the authority even offered free motor vehicle inspection services for school transport vehicles between 9am and 3pm.
More schools are expected to reopen throughout the week, with some having already started on Monday.
