The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has told schools and transport providers to make sure all their vehicles meet safety standards before students return to class.
In a notice issued on August 15, the Authority warned that every bus and van used for school transport must be in proper working condition.
The directive comes after NTSA inspectors carried out random checks and found several school vehicles in poor shape.
Some buses were found without speed limiters, while others had devices that were broken, expired, or not linked to NTSA’s road safety system.
Inspectors also noted vehicles with torn seats, loose cushions, faulty seat belts, and broken door locks.
Others failed to meet required standards such as KS 372:2019, which guides passenger safety and comfort. Problems varied from poor seat mounting, lack of anti-roll bars, to missing identification plates.
Outside, some vehicles had rusted chassis, damaged body work, and faulty steering or suspension systems.
The Authority reminded that all buses used to carry learners must be built by established manufacturers and inspected by authorized officials.
A full list of approved builders and inspectors is available on the NTSA website.
“Teachers and learners should not be transported in unroadworthy vehicles,” NTSA stressed.
The notice also revealed that more than 315,000 public service and commercial vehicles across the country are operating without valid inspection certificates.
Owners have been asked to take immediate action to renew them. Law enforcement officers have been instructed to use NTSA’s mobile app to verify inspection details on the spot.
The move is part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to tighten NTSA school transport safety and reduce risks on the road as schools reopen.
