- The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has proposed new rules to enhance the safety of school children during transport, as outlined in the Draft Rules (School Transport) 2025
- Vehicles transporting children will now be required to display special markings, use safety equipment and meet stricter licensing requirements
- Motorcycles carrying school children will also be subject to stricter regulations, including the use of protective equipment and luggage restrictions.
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has proposed a series of measures aimed at protecting school-going children during transport.
Source: Twitter
The proposed regulations, detailed in the Draft Laws (School Transport) 2025 and witnessed by TUKO.co.ke, include mandatory vehicle markings, advanced safety equipment, and strict licensing requirements for drivers and vehicles.
New NTSA safety recommendations for school vehicles
Under the proposed rules, vehicles used to transport school children must have the words “SCHOOL BUS” prominently displayed on the front and back. Additionally, the words “DO NOT PASS WHEN RED LIGHTS ARE ON” in black block letters at least 8 inches high shall be required on the rear of the vehicle.
Each vehicle must also display a written complaint telephone number “IN CASE VEHICLE IS BEING CARVERSLY, CALL;”aimed at promoting responsibility among school drivers.
For large vehicles over 30 feet in length, the rules require the installation of red signal arms reflected on the front and rear of the right side. These stop signal arms, along with two red light indicators, must be activated when the vehicle is within 30 meters of a stop or when stopped to allow children to board or alight.
Drivers encountering such a vehicle will have to stop until the signal arm is removed and the red lights stop flashing.
NTSA It has also proposed strict conditions for drivers who want to drive school transport vehicles. Drivers will need to undergo an annual criminal record check and medical tests performed by qualified doctors.
“Any driver with a history of violating the rights of children or who has been convicted of driving while intoxicated will be permanently disqualified from transporting school children,” NTSA said in a post.
NTSA's new safety measures for bodabodas carrying school children
Motorcyclists carrying school children will also face new laws. Operators must use the protective equipment provided and ensure children are not carrying hand luggage. All luggage must be stored in a carrier or bag. Operators will also be prohibited from transporting excess baggage outside of these conditions.
The rules will apply to all school vehicles and school transport providers across the country. Vehicles must meet specified safety requirements before being licensed as school transport providers.
These proposed regulations are part of NTSA's ongoing efforts to ensure that school children are protected from potential hazards while traveling. The public has been invited to submit comments on the draft laws, which aim to come into force after approval later this year.
NTSA will not take an uninsured school bus
In a related story, the transport safety board seized a school bus in Nyeri for operating without valid insurance.
In a video seen by TUKO.co.ke, the car was placed under police custody while the driver disappeared to avoid arrest.
NTSA assured the public that efforts to arrest the driver are ongoing and he will be brought to court.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
