The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has issued directives to matatu drivers and principals ahead of the official school opening date.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, NTSA Road Safety Manager Samuel Musumba revealed that the authority will be cautioning drivers against driving at night and carrying excess students to avoid accidents.
He also called upon the drivers to minimise the trips taken while transporting students to school. He advised against increasing the trips which the authority believes will increase the accident risk.
Public Service Vehicle (PSV) drivers were advised to ensure their vehicles are in good condition for each trip to avoid malfunctioning on the road. The official further encouraged vehicle owners to tap the annual inspection carried out by the authority.
"Ensure your records are up to date to avoid being on the wrong side of the law," he emphasised.
Musumba further called upon school managements to ensure no vehicle is outside the school premises past the time stipulated by the government. He warned that all those found guilty will face the law.
"We ask drivers to slow down while on the road. Ensure all the passengers have their seatbelts on to avoid accidents," he stated.
Additionally, Musumba advised drivers to ensure students are disciplined in their vehicles. Drivers were urged to bar students from indecent behavior or abusing drugs while in transit.
Parents were directed to take the initiative to be involved in their children's lives and ensure they get to school safely and on time.
"Parents ensure that your child travels early, remain in communication with the driver, and communicate with the school management to know when the child gets to school," Musumba remarked.
On the other hand, students were advised to report malpractices on the road as well as adhere to traffic laws such as ensuring they wear seat belts, avoid boarding overloaded vehicles, and refrain from distracting drivers.
In 2023, several school-going students lost their lives in road accidents especially while going home for the holidays. Some of these accidents were caused by speeding and reckless drivers looking to make more trips and earn more.
