The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has launched a nationwide crackdown on reckless driving, targeting vehicles transporting students.
This follows a video that circulated on social media, which sparked a heated debate due to the reckless manner in which the driver was driving.
The video shows a Thika-bound matatu driver speeding while students hang out of the windows, celebrating and banging on the vehicle.
The footage quickly went viral and has reignited public concern over the safety of children commuting to school for the third term.
In response to these calls, the NTSA ordered law enforcement officers to arrest drivers and passengers who violate traffic laws, particularly those operating vehicles intended for transporting students.
According to the NTSA, the rogue driver was endangering not only the lives of the students on board, but also those of other motorists using the road.
‘’This is unacceptable! A split-second lapse in concentration or a poor decision by the driver can have devastating consequences, leading to fatalities or serious injuries,’’ NTSA said in part.
‘’This underscores the critical importance and dire need for constant vigilance and adherence to road safety practices for both drivers and passengers. We have alerted enforcement officers, and we will take action,’’ the authority continued.
The crackdown is part of NTSA’s ‘Watoto Wafike Salama’ campaign, which aims to ensure that every child reaches school safely.
Recently, the campaign gained momentum after NTSA intensified inspections of school buses, matatus, and private vans used for student transport.
In a recent checklist to schools, NTSA directed school administrators to ensure that their institutions only use vehicles that are in good condition to transport schoolchildren and that they only hire qualified drivers.
Managers were also urged to supervise and monitor their drivers' conduct and ensure that all vehicles used to transport schoolchildren are equipped with seatbelts.
The directives come at a time when the country witnessed multiple road carnages, especially in the month of August.
