The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has launched Operation Watoto Wafike Salama, a comprehensive safety initiative targeting school transport vehicles nationwide.
In a notice released Wednesday, August 20, NTSA outlined strict safety requirements for drivers and conductors operating school transport vehicles as educational institutions prepare to reopen.
The authority has established a detailed checklist that all school transport operators must adhere to to ensure children's safety.
The comprehensive checklist mandates that vehicles be roadworthy and have valid inspection certificates, RSL (Road Service License), and insurance coverage.
Additionally, speed limiters must actively transmit data to the NTSA Road Safety Management System (RSMS), ensuring compliance with speed regulations designed to protect young passengers.
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Under the new guidelines, vehicles must undergo thorough servicing with particular attention to critical safety components, including brakes, tires, lights, and side mirrors, all of which must be fully functional.
Driver and conductor licenses (DL) and Public Service Vehicle (PSV) badges must be current and valid.
The safety measures extend beyond vehicle requirements to passenger protocols. All children must have their seatbelts fastened, and vehicles are prohibited from carrying excess passengers beyond their designated capacity.
The authority has also banned children or body parts from hanging outside vehicles during transit.
Subsequently, NTSA has implemented a zero-tolerance policy regarding substance abuse, requiring immediate reporting if any child is found under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
NTSA announced that free motor vehicle inspection clinics are scheduled for Saturday, August 23rd, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM across all NTSA inspection centers nationwide to support compliance with these safety standards.
These clinics will provide safety assessments and guidance to vehicle owners and schools on corrective measures to ensure children's safety.
The inspection centers include locations in Mombasa, Machakos, Kakamega, Kisumu, Likoni Road (Nairobi), Nakuru, Voi, Nyeri, Embu, Kericho, Uasin Gishu, Kitale, Thika, Meru, and Garissa.
The initiative comes amid growing concerns about road safety for school children.
“Never allow your child to board an unroadworthy vehicle. Make their safety your priority. Call your child's school today and confirm if the vehicle they will use to transport your child back to school has a valid insurance, is licensed, serviced, and safe to carry your child,” NTSA advised parents.
