NPS Warns Motorists as Schools Close for End-of-Year Holidays

The National Police Service (NPS) has warned motorists and other road users to observe traffic rules and regulations as schools close for the end-of-year holidays.

In a statement on Monday, October 19, the Service said the anticipated rise in the number of pupils and students travelling to reunite with their families could increase traffic volumes and expose road users to a higher risk of accidents.

"As schools close, we anticipate a significant increase in the number of students and pupils travelling across the country to reunite with their families. This heightened movement inevitably increases traffic volumes on our roads, thereby raising the risk of road traffic accidents. The safety of all road users, especially our children, remains a top priority for the National Police Service," the statement read.

NPS said the joint operation would focus on enforcing traffic regulations and ensuring that vehicles transporting learners met the required safety standards.

"Accordingly, the National Police Service, in collaboration with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), will intensify public sensitisation and enforcement of traffic regulations nationwide, including those on speeding, unroadworthy vehicles, overloading and safety belt use, and will subject school transport vehicles to thorough inspection to confirm compliance with all safety standards," the statement added.

NPS also urged motorists to exercise caution throughout the holiday season, warning against dangerous driving practices that could endanger passengers, pedestrians and other road users.

"Additionally, we call upon all motorists to exercise the utmost caution and responsibility by adhering to designated speed limits, refraining from driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and avoiding distractions such as mobile phone use while driving.

"Furthermore, we urge all road users, including pedestrians and motorcyclists, to remain vigilant and comply with all traffic regulations," the statement further read.

NPS further called on parents and guardians to take responsibility for their children's safety by ensuring they use reputable public service vehicles that are in good roadworthy condition.

It also encouraged members of the public to report reckless driving and vehicles that fail to meet road safety requirements.

"Parents and guardians are also encouraged to play an active role in ensuring the safety of their children by entrusting them only to reputable and roadworthy public service vehicles. 

"We further encourage the public to report any instances of reckless driving or unroadworthy vehicles to the nearest police station or through the emergency services: toll-free lines 999 or 911; the #FichuaKwaDCI hotline on 0800 722 203; or WhatsApp on 0709 570 000," the statement concluded.

This warning comes days after at least 17 people were injured after a bus crashed along the Nakuru-Eldoret highway. 

In a statement on Saturday night, October 17, Kenya Red Cross said the crash occurred at the Migaa area.

According to the organization, the bus was ferrying mourners from Kisumu when the accident occurred. 

"A vehicle carrying mourners from Kisumu crashed at Migaa along the Nakuru-Eldoret highway, injuring 17," read the statement in part. 

Following the incident, Kenya Red Cross’s Nakuru branch, police officers and Molo ambulance teams responded and evacuated the injured passengers. 

"Our Nakuru Branch, Kenya Police, Molo ambulance teams and the community responded, with one casualty extricated after being trapped for over an hour," the organization added.