Checkout NTSA’s 8-Point Safety Checklist for School Transport
Come April 27, the second term will resume, and our kids will once again be on the roads, travelling to and from their homes and schools. As the saying goes, safety is a shared responsibility between school management, parents, and transport providers.
To ensure everything runs smoothly and that children are provided with safe transport services that do not put their lives at risk, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has issued an 8-point safety checklist that all schools must adhere to. By now, it is clear that NTSA is shifting toward proactive road safety management rather than relying solely on reactive enforcement.
“As schools prepare to reopen, all school administrators are urged to ensure that their transport vehicles are roadworthy and compliant with safety regulations.” — NTSA
Recently, the authority mandated inspections for all vehicles operating on Kenyan roads. With schools about to resume, it has also released key safety guidelines that parents and schools must follow. In its latest statement, NTSA revealed that compliance checks and enforcement operations will be intensified, reinforcing its stance that learners are among the most vulnerable road users.
Among the eight points is the requirement that all school buses must be inspected and pass roadworthiness tests. Schools are also expected to hire qualified and trusted drivers.
8-Point Safety Checklist
| No. | Safety Requirement |
|---|---|
| 1 | Ensure all transport vehicles are roadworthy and regularly inspected |
| 2 | Fit vehicles with essential safety features, including seat belts |
| 3 | Hire qualified and licensed drivers |
| 4 | Closely supervise drivers and monitor driver behaviour |
| 5 | Ensure speed limiters are fully functional |
| 6 | Drivers and conductors must not operate under the influence of alcohol or substances |
| 7 | Vehicles must strictly follow designated routes (no deviations) |
| 8 | Monitor driver fatigue, especially during long-distance travel |
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Schools that fail to comply with the above safety standards may face penalties, including:
- Suspension of operating licences
- Withdrawal of operating licences
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