NTSA Introduces Stricter Regulations for School Transport Safety.
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has proposed the Draft Traffic (School Transport) Rules 2025, focusing on improving the safety of schoolchildren during their daily commutes.
The new regulations introduce strict safety measures and specific signage requirements for all school transport vehicles.
Under these rules, vehicles transporting students must have clearly visible markings. The words “SCHOOL BUS” should be displayed prominently on both the front and rear, while the phrase instructing drivers not to pass when red lights are flashing must appear in black block letters at least eight inches high on the rear.
Additionally, every school transport vehicle must display a complaints phone number with the instruction to call in case of reckless driving.
To comply with the proposed regulations, school transport vehicles must be painted yellow (colour code FFD800) and fitted with child-friendly safety belts. Furthermore, they should be equipped with at least one accessible fire extinguisher.
The vehicles must also feature dual red-light indicators at the top front and rear, stop signal arms on both the front and rear right-hand sides, and mirrors to provide the driver with a clear view of the vehicle’s surroundings.
Moreover, a vehicular telematics system approved by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) must be installed in every school transport vehicle.
Driver and Attendant Requirements
Drivers of school transport vehicles must possess a valid NTSA license specific to their vehicle category. They are required to undergo annual assessments, including criminal record checks for child abuse convictions and driving under the influence offenses.
Additionally, they must complete yearly medical tests to ensure fitness for duty. School vehicle attendants must also be licensed by NTSA as public service vehicle conductors and undergo annual criminal record assessments.
Their responsibilities include assisting with student boarding and disembarking, ensuring all children are securely seated, and maintaining order and safety throughout the journey.
The proposed regulations establish operational guidelines to enhance safety. School transport vehicles will only be permitted to operate between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m.
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They must adhere to a maximum speed limit of 80 km/h and allocate a seat for each student, strictly prohibiting standing passengers. Additionally, bi-annual inspections will be conducted to ensure continued compliance with these safety standards.
NTSA has scheduled public participation forums across various counties, including Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu, to gather feedback on the proposed regulations.
These measures reflect NTSA’s dedication to ensuring student safety during their daily school commutes, aligning with international best practices in school transport management.
NTSA Introduces Stricter Regulations for School Transport Safety.
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