The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has issued a crucial advisory to road users as schools prepare to close for the April holiday. In a notice released on Thursday, the authority urged all stakeholders in the transport sector to be extra vigilant during this period. With an emphasis on child safety, the NTSA highlighted the importance of ensuring that children are closely supervised and only transported in safe, compliant vehicles. This is particularly important given the risks associated with school holidays, a time when increased movement of students often leads to a higher likelihood of accidents.
The NTSA is calling for enhanced collaboration among law enforcement, parents, guardians, school management, transport service providers, and students themselves. Such a collaborative approach, the authority asserts, is critical to preventing accidents that could lead to injuries or fatalities. The agency also noted that reckless driving and student distractions have historically been a contributing factor in many serious road accidents. To mitigate these risks, NTSA is emphasizing road safety education and encouraging responsible behavior from all road users.
In its efforts to improve road safety, the NTSA has joined forces with the National Police Service to ensure stricter enforcement of traffic laws during this busy period, which coincides with the Easter holidays. There will be a particular focus on monitoring driver and conductor behavior, ensuring that vehicles comply with safety standards, and promoting education campaigns under the Usalama Barabarani initiative. The authority is urging all motorists to take personal responsibility for their actions and to practice safe driving at all times, particularly during peak periods when the roads are more congested.
The NTSA’s warning comes in the wake of several tragic incidents that have underscored the need for increased road safety measures. In the past six months, the authority has taken significant actions against reckless drivers, suspending 288 licenses and requiring 420 drivers to undergo retesting. These measures were taken following public complaints and findings from the NTSA Intelligent Road Safety Management System (IRSMS), which identified various cases of misconduct and speed violations. Additionally, safety compliance audits of public transport operators, as well as court rulings, have revealed numerous violations that continue to pose a risk to public safety.
One of the most recent and heartbreaking incidents occurred when a matatu, transporting students from Ober Boys Boarding Comprehensive School in Homa Bay County, collided with a sugarcane truck. The crash resulted in the deaths of four students and left at least 19 others injured. This tragic accident occurred near Kibwon in Nyakach Subcounty, while the matatu was en route to Kisumu. Just days later, another vehicle veered off the road and struck four students from Mbita High School, causing them to be rushed to the hospital with injuries. These incidents have sparked widespread concern, with many advocating for stronger enforcement of traffic laws to prevent further loss of life.
The NTSA’s appeal for heightened vigilance comes at a critical time, as the country gears up for the school holidays and Easter festivities. As the number of vehicles on the road increases, the risk of accidents also rises. By reinforcing the need for safe driving practices, improved supervision of children, and the use of safe transport vehicles, the NTSA hopes to reduce the number of road-related injuries and fatalities during this period.
As the situation evolves, it remains essential for everyone involved in the transport ecosystem to take responsibility and work together to protect the lives of students and other road users. By ensuring that safety measures are followed and that all parties involved stay alert and informed, the NTSA is hopeful that the upcoming school holidays will be marked by fewer road accidents and greater awareness of road safety practices.
