As schools across Kenya gear up for reopening in August 2025, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has sounded an urgent alarm on the state of school transport vehicles. With the third term approaching, the authority’s recent compliance checks have revealed alarming safety lapses in school buses, prompting a stern directive to ensure vehicles are mechanically sound and compliant with safety standards. This article delves into the NTSA’s findings, the critical safety concerns, proposed regulations, and actionable steps for schools, parents, and transport operators to safeguard Kenya’s schoolchildren.
The NTSA’s directive comes at a critical time as schools prepare to welcome students back for the third term on August 25, 2025. The authority’s random compliance checks and vehicle inspections revealed major safety concerns, highlighting the need for immediate action to protect students. The notice emphasizes that all school transport vehicles must adhere to Kenyan safety standards, including KS 2295:2018 for speed limiters and KS 372:2019 for vehicle construction. Below, we break down the key issues identified by the NTSA and their implications for road safety.
Speed Limiter Compliance Issues
Speeding is a leading cause of road accidents in Kenya, and the NTSA has flagged non-compliance with speed limiter requirements as a major concern. According to KS 2295:2018, all public service vehicles, including school buses, must be fitted with functional speed limiters to curb overspeeding. However, the NTSA’s inspections revealed:
- Missing Speed Limiters: Some school buses lack speed limiters entirely, posing a significant risk to passengers.
- Non-Serviced or Expired Devices: Other vehicles operate with outdated or malfunctioning speed limiters, rendering them ineffective.
- Failure to Transmit Data: Certain speed limiters do not connect to the NTSA’s Intelligent Road Safety Management System (IRSMS), hindering real-time monitoring of vehicle speeds.
The NTSA has directed schools and transport operators to source speed limiters from licensed suppliers listed on their official website (www.ntsa.go.ke). This ensures that devices meet the required standards and are properly calibrated to enhance road safety.
Substandard Interior Conditions
The interior condition of school buses plays a critical role in passenger safety, yet many vehicles fall short of acceptable standards. The NTSA’s inspections uncovered:
- Worn-Out Upholstery: Ripped seats and unstable cushions increase the risk of injury during sudden stops or collisions.
- Faulty Door Locks and Sliding Rails: Malfunctioning locks and rails can trap passengers in emergencies, delaying evacuation.
- Torn or Jagged Seat Edges: These pose a hazard to children, potentially causing cuts or injuries.
These issues not only compromise comfort but also endanger students’ safety. Schools must prioritize regular maintenance and upgrades to ensure interiors meet safety standards.
Defective or Missing Seat Belts
Seat belts are a fundamental safety feature, yet the NTSA found that some school buses either lack them entirely or have defective belts and buckles. This is particularly concerning given that seat belts significantly reduce the risk of injury in crashes. The authority has called for immediate repairs and installations to ensure every student is secured during transit. Compliance with KS 2092, which governs seat belt standards, is non-negotiable for school transport vehicles.
Non-Compliance with KS 372:2019 Standards
The KS 372:2019 standard outlines requirements for passenger vehicle body construction, emphasizing stability and structural integrity. The NTSA’s checks revealed:
- Poor Seat Anchorage: Weakly anchored seats can detach during accidents, endangering passengers.
- Missing Anti-Roll Bars: These bars are essential for vehicle stability, particularly on Kenya’s often uneven roads.
- Absent VIN Plates: Vehicles without Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plates fail to meet traceability requirements.
The NTSA mandates that school buses be constructed by approved body builders and assessed by certified conformity assessors, with a list available on their website. This ensures compliance with safety standards and reduces the risk of structural failures.
Poor Exterior Body Condition
The exterior condition of school buses is equally critical, as it affects the vehicle’s overall roadworthiness. The NTSA identified:
- Corroded Chassis and Bodies: Rust weakens the structural integrity, increasing the likelihood of mechanical failure.
- Faulty Suspension Systems: Worn shock absorbers compromise ride stability and handling.
- Defective Steering Systems: Worn tie rods can lead to loss of control, especially at high speeds.
These issues highlight the need for routine maintenance to address corrosion, suspension, and steering problems before they escalate into serious safety hazards.
Unroadworthy Vehicles and Inspection Certificates
Shockingly, the NTSA has flagged 315,000 public service and commercial vehicles (with a tare weight of 3,049 kg and above) operating without valid motor vehicle inspection certificates. These unroadworthy vehicles pose a significant risk to road users, particularly schoolchildren. The authority has notified owners to take immediate remedial measures and urged law enforcement to use the free NTSA mobile app to verify inspection certificates. This digital tool allows officers to check compliance in real-time, ensuring only roadworthy vehicles are in operation.
The Draft Traffic (School Transport) Rules 2025
In response to these safety concerns, the NTSA has introduced the Draft Traffic (School Transport) Rules 2025, a set of proposed regulations aimed at revolutionizing school transport safety in Kenya. Announced on January 15, 2025, these rules outline stringent requirements for vehicles, drivers, and attendants to ensure the safety of schoolchildren. Key provisions include:
- Mandatory Signage: School buses must display “SCHOOL BUS” in 8-inch black block letters on the front and rear, along with “DO NOT PASS WHEN RED LIGHTS ARE FLASHING” at the rear. A complaints hotline number must also be visible for reporting reckless driving.
- Reflectorized Stop Signal Arms: Vehicles over 30 feet must have red stop signal arms on the front and rear right-hand sides, extending outward to signal other motorists to stop during boarding or alighting.
- Yellow Paint and Safety Features: Buses must be painted yellow (colour code FFD800) and equipped with functional seat belts, fire extinguishers, dual red-light indicators, and mirrors for driver visibility.
- Driver and Attendant Requirements: Drivers must hold valid NTSA licenses, undergo annual medical tests, and have no criminal records related to child abuse or driving under the influence. Attendants must be licensed as public service vehicle conductors and assist with student safety.
- Operational Guidelines: School buses must operate between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m., not exceed 80 km/h, and ensure a seat for every student, prohibiting standing passengers.
- Bi-Annual Inspections: Vehicles must undergo regular inspections to maintain compliance with safety standards.
These regulations, still open for public input, align with global best practices and aim to standardize safety features across all school buses. The NTSA has scheduled public participation forums in counties like Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu to gather feedback before finalization.
Public and Stakeholder Reactions
The NTSA’s initiatives have sparked robust discussions among parents, schools, and transport operators. Social media platforms, particularly X, have been abuzz with reactions to the proposed rules. Some Kenyans have praised the NTSA for its proactive approach, while others have called for even stricter measures:
- Retractable Stop Signs: One user suggested adding retractable stop signs, common in countries like the US, to halt traffic when children board or alight.
- Child-Friendly Designs: Critics have pointed out that many school buses, built on lorry chassis, are too high and not designed for children, urging the NTSA to mandate specific designs.
- Reinforced Construction: Commentators like Eric Nyaga have emphasized the need for reinforced bus builds to withstand collisions, enhancing passenger safety.
These suggestions reflect a growing public demand for comprehensive safety reforms, with many Kenyans viewing the NTSA’s efforts as a step in the right direction but calling for stronger enforcement.
Why School Bus Safety Matters in Kenya
Kenya’s roads have long been plagued by accidents, often due to poor vehicle conditions, reckless driving, and inadequate safety features. School buses, which carry the nation’s future, are particularly vulnerable. The NTSA’s data paints a grim picture: nearly 50 fatalities were recorded in road accidents in the week leading up to August 15, 2025. Tragic incidents, such as the fatal crash on August 3, 2025, in Mityana District, where two pupils died, underscore the urgency of addressing school transport safety.
Ensuring roadworthy vehicles is not just a regulatory requirement but a moral imperative. Unroadworthy buses increase the risk of crashes, endangering students, drivers, and other road users. By addressing speed limiters, seat belts, and vehicle construction, the NTSA aims to reduce these risks and create a safer commuting environment for schoolchildren.
The Role of the NTSA TIMS Portal and Mobile App
The NTSA’s Transport Integrated Management System (TIMS) portal (ntsa.ecitizen.go.ke) and mobile app are critical tools for ensuring compliance. The TIMS portal facilitates:
- Vehicle Inspections and Licensing: Operators can update vehicle details and schedule inspections to obtain valid certificates.
- Compliance Tracking: The system monitors adherence to safety standards, including speed limiter functionality and inspection status.
- Public Reporting: Parents and citizens can report non-compliant or reckless school buses via the portal, enhancing accountability.
The NTSA mobile app empowers law enforcement to verify inspection certificates in real-time, ensuring unroadworthy vehicles are swiftly removed from the roads. Parents are also encouraged to use the app to check the compliance status of school buses before allowing their children to board.
Steps for Schools and Parents to Ensure Safe School Transport
To align with the NTSA’s directive and protect students, schools and parents must take proactive measures:
- For Schools and Transport Operators:
- Conduct routine maintenance to address issues like worn upholstery, faulty seat belts, and corroded chassis.
- Source speed limiters from NTSA-approved suppliers and ensure they transmit data to the IRSMS.
- Work with approved body builders and conformity assessors to meet KS 372:2019 standards.
- Update vehicle details on the NTSA TIMS portal and schedule bi-annual inspections.
- Train drivers and attendants to comply with the Draft Traffic (School Transport) Rules 2025.
- For Parents and Guardians:
- Verify the roadworthiness of school buses using the NTSA mobile app or TIMS portal.
- Report unroadworthy vehicles or reckless driving to the NTSA via the complaints hotline or eCitizen platform.
- Educate children on the importance of wearing seat belts and reporting unsafe conditions.
- Advocate for compliance with the proposed safety regulations during school meetings.
Government and NTSA’s Broader Road Safety Initiatives
The NTSA’s efforts are part of the broader National Road Safety Action Plan 2024-2028, which includes legislative reforms, infrastructure upgrades, and intensified safety audits. Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir has emphasized the importance of compliance with speed limits, maintenance standards, and traffic rules to safeguard lives. Initiatives like the redesign of the Nithi Bridge, a notorious accident hotspot, demonstrate the government’s commitment to reducing road carnage.
The NTSA’s call for routine maintenance and the use of digital tools like the mobile app and TIMS portal reflects a modernized approach to road safety. By fostering collaboration between schools, parents, operators, and law enforcement, the authority aims to create a culture of shared responsibility.
Challenges and the Path Forward
While the NTSA’s initiatives are commendable, challenges remain in ensuring widespread compliance. The high number of unroadworthy vehicles—315,000 flagged by the NTSA—indicates a systemic issue in enforcement and awareness. Additionally, the cost of retrofitting buses with safety features like stop signal arms and compliant speed limiters may strain school budgets, particularly for smaller institutions.
To address these challenges, the NTSA must:
- Strengthen Enforcement: Increase roadside checks and penalties for non-compliant vehicles.
- Subsidize Safety Upgrades: Partner with stakeholders to provide financial support for schools to meet safety standards.
- Raise Awareness: Launch campaigns under hashtags like #UsalamaBarabarani and #WatotoWafikeSalama to educate the public on road safety.
- Finalize Regulations: Incorporate public feedback into the Draft Traffic (School Transport) Rules 2025 to ensure practical and effective measures.
The NTSA’s notice ahead of the 2025 school reopening is a clarion call to prioritize the safety of Kenya’s schoolchildren. By addressing critical issues like speed limiters, seat belts, and vehicle construction, the authority is taking bold steps to reduce road accidents and protect young lives. However, the success of these efforts hinges on collective action from schools, parents, operators, and law enforcement.
As Kenya strives to reverse the alarming trend of road fatalities, the NTSA’s Draft Traffic (School Transport) Rules 2025 offer a roadmap for safer school commutes. By embracing routine maintenance, leveraging digital tools, and advocating for compliance, all stakeholders can contribute to a safer road environment. Let’s heed the NTSA’s call and ensure that every child reaches school safely, every day.
For more information, visit the NTSA website (www.ntsa.go.ke) or access the TIMS portal (ntsa.ecitizen.go.ke) to check compliance and report concerns.
