The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) officers have impounded a school van operating without valid insurance in Nyeri.
In a nationwide crackdown targeting the safety of learners, as schools reopen for term one, NTSA has intensified efforts to ensure reduced cases of accidents on the roads.
“School van operating without motor vehicle insurance. The driver is at large and efforts to apprehend him are underway,” NTSA noted in a statement on Wednesday, January 8, 2025.
In an earlier statement, NTSA indicated that vehicles used in the transportation of schoolchildren must comply with a raft of certifications and licenses to be on the road.
“Motor vehicles used to transport children must have valid insurance, roadworthy, fitted with functional speed limiters that transmit data to the NTSA Intelligent Road Safety Management system (IRSMS). The vehicle must also meet all licensing requirements including valid road service licenses, and inspection certificates among others,” the authority stated on January 4, 2025.
Highway code
The safety body equally urged motorists on the road to exercise caution during this time when there is increased traffic ferrying children to various schools around the country.
“All road users are therefore reminded to adhere to the Highway Code, remain cautious, and reduce speed to ensure the well-being of our children. Private motorists, public service vehicle operators, school management and parents/guardians have a huge responsibility in ensuring the safety of our children,” NTSA added.
As part of the safety efforts, NTSA also urged parents to avoid letting their children non-compliant public service vehicles on their journeys to school.
Non-compliant vehicles
“We urge parents, guardians, caregivers and the public to utilize the free NTSA Mobile App available on the Google Play Store, to verify essential details of Public Service Vehicles, drivers and conductors before allowing children to board the vehicles. To ensure their safety, children must not be allowed to board non-compliant vehicles,” the authority emphasized.
Since the beginning of the week, the transport agency has activated all its systems in all regions of the country in a campaign dubbed #Watotowafikesalama which seeks to ensure all learners reach schools safely.
Among the checks NTSA conducts on motor vehicles are their roadworthiness, inspection certificate and Road Service License, a functional speed limiter, valid driver’s license and PSV badge, excess passengers, belting up and ensuring that no passengers are hanging on either side of the vehicles.
