Government’s Directive to All Motorists Ahead of School Opening

Transport and Roads Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir has issued comprehensive safety directives to all motorists as educational institutions prepare to reopen nationwide. 

In a statement released on Friday, August 22, the CS emphasized the critical need for coordinated action among road transport stakeholders to reduce and prevent road fatalities.

The directive specifically calls on drivers and motorcyclists to ensure their vehicles are properly maintained and appropriately licensed and to exercise caution on roads, particularly around children's crossing areas.

Other directives are: refrain from honking, drive slowly, and maintain safe speeds around educational institutions.

"We also urge pedestrians to be very careful near roads, as your safety must come first. Always use designated crossings, avoid distractions such as phones, and make eye contact with drivers before crossing the road,” the statement read.

The directives follow recommendations from a report that examined deadly accidents occurring along major highways in Nairobi and Kiambu.

The report findings highlighted three critical contributors to road crashes and fatalities: road infrastructure deficiencies, problematic driver behavior, and poor mechanical condition of vehicles.

In response to these findings, road agencies and NTSA have begun implementing key recommendations, including treating and improving hazardous road sections, enhancing surveillance of compliance with vehicle safety standards for road vehicles and passenger body construction, and continuing efforts in road user education and law enforcement.

This government directive aligns with intensified safety measures already underway in the transport sector.

The NTSA recently launched Operation Watoto Wafike Salama, a comprehensive safety initiative targeting school transport vehicles nationwide. 

The safety campaign has established stringent requirements for school transport operations.

Vehicle operators must be roadworthy with current inspection certificates, valid Road Service Licenses, and adequate insurance coverage.

The initiative mandates thorough vehicle servicing, with a special focus on critical safety components. Before vehicles can transport students, brakes, tires, lighting systems, and side mirrors must all be in perfect working condition.

All children must be secured appropriately with seatbelts, and vehicles are strictly prohibited from exceeding their designated passenger capacity. The authority has banned any practice allowing children or body parts to extend outside vehicles during transit.

NTSA organized free motor vehicle inspection clinics on Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at all NTSA inspection centers nationwide to support compliance with these enhanced safety standards.

The inspection services were available at centers in Mombasa, Machakos, Kakamega, Kisumu, Likoni Road in Nairobi, Nakuru, Voi, Nyeri, Embu, Kericho, Uasin Gishu, Kitale, Thika, Meru, and Garissa.