As schools reopen for the first term of the 2025 academic year, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has called on motorists to adhere to road safety regulations. The appeal comes as thousands of students prepare to travel back to school using Public Service Vehicles (PSVs), with the NTSA emphasizing the importance of safety during this critical period.
Speaking after a compliance inspection along the Nyeri-Karatina road on Wednesday, NTSA Central Region Manager Bora Guyo urged parents and guardians to ensure their children travel in roadworthy, registered PSVs. He discouraged the use of private vehicles for student transport, warning that many fail to meet the safety standards set by the authority.
“We must ensure that our children return to school safely,” Guyo stated. “Parents should prioritize compliant vehicles and avoid privately managed ones, which often lack proper safety checks.”
During the inspection, 15 vehicles and motorbikes were impounded for various violations, including expired driver’s licenses, lack of motor vehicle inspection certificates, and failure to meet road service licensing requirements. Guyo revealed that NTSA has partnered with Nyeri traffic police to conduct intensified inspections aimed at ensuring compliance, particularly as motorists rush to transport students and workers returning from the festive break.
Additionally, the NTSA will monitor PSVs for overloading and speeding, which are common risks during the back-to-school season. “We urge motorists to ensure their vehicles are inspected on time to avoid disruptions and protect lives,” Guyo added.
Kenya has consistently grappled with road carnage, with over 3,000 lives lost annually. According to the National Police Service’s report released in September 2024, road fatalities reached 3,369 last year, with pedestrians, motorcyclists, and passengers accounting for the majority of victims. This marked an increase from 3,151 fatalities in 2023.
As the new academic term begins, NTSA’s message is clear: road safety is a collective responsibility, and strict adherence to regulations can help prevent further loss of lives.
