"No excess passengers": NTSA lists 8 mandatory rules for drivers, conductors
This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.
- NTSA has released a mandatory safety checklist targeting drivers and conductors who transport school children
- The transport regulator urged school administrators to confirm that all vehicles are roadworthy before schools reopen
- The 8-point checklist covers everything from speed limiters and seat belts to reporting children found under the influence
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has issued eight mandatory compliance requirements for drivers and conductors operating school transport vehicles, as the country prepares for the upcoming school reopening.
The regulator directed all school administrators to verify that every vehicle used to ferry learners meets the required safety and legal standards before resuming operations.
NTSA's 8-Point Safety Checklist
- Under the requirements, each vehicle must hold a valid inspection certificate, a Road Service Licence (RSL), and valid insurance cover.
- Drivers must also confirm that the speed limiter is actively transmitting data to the NTSA Intelligent Road Safety Management System (IRSMS).
- On the mechanical side, the authority requires that vehicles be properly serviced, with brakes, tyres, lights, and side mirrors all in full working order.
- Both the Driver's Licence (DL) and Public Service Vehicle (PSV) badge must be current and valid.
- Regarding passengers, the rules state that all children must wear seat belts at all times.
- No vehicle should carry more passengers than its authorised capacity.
- Drivers and conductors are further required to ensure that no child or body part is hanging outside the vehicle while it is in motion.
- The eighth requirement places a reporting obligation on transport personnel: any child observed to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol must be reported to the relevant authorities.
What is NTSA's campaign?
The announcement forms part of NTSA's broader #UsalamaBarabarani campaign, which promotes road safety across the country.
The hashtag #WatotoWafikeSalama, loosely translated as "let the children arrive safely," has accompanied the regulator's messaging as schools approach their reopening date.
NTSA's directive comes against a backdrop of recurring concerns over the safety of school transport in Kenya, particularly the condition of vehicles used to carry young learners on long-distance routes.
The eight-point checklist is intended to provide a clear, enforceable standard that both school administrators and transport operators must meet before placing children in their vehicles.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.