The National Police Service (NPS) and the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) have launched a nationwide road safety campaign as schools close for the long holiday, with motorists warned against traffic violations that put passengers at risk.
In a statement issued on Monday, October 19, the police said officers would work with NTSA to enforce traffic rules and educate road users as more learners travel home.
The crackdown will focus on speeding, overloaded vehicles, unroadworthy cars and failure to wear seat belts. School buses and other vehicles used to transport learners will also undergo inspections to ensure they meet safety requirements.
“Accordingly, the National Police Service, in collaboration with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), will intensify public sensitization and enforcement of traffic regulations nationwide,” the police said.
More officers are expected to be deployed on roads across the country during the holiday period, when increased travel raises the risk of accidents involving children and other road users.
Motorists have been urged to observe speed limits, avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and keep off their phones while behind the wheel.
NTSA has also asked school transport operators to check their vehicles before setting off, with particular attention to tyres, lights and brakes.
“A roadworthy vehicle saves lives. To all back-to-school transporters: test your lights, inspect your tires, and service your brakes before hitting the road. Let’s get every student home and to school without incident,” the authority said.
Parents and guardians have been advised to use reputable transport operators whose vehicles are properly maintained. Pedestrians and motorcyclists have also been reminded to follow traffic rules.
The campaign comes amid concern over dangerous driving by some matatu operators, including videos circulating online that appear to show schoolchildren hanging out of moving vehicles.
Pedestrians are among the categories of road users who are most vulnerable to road accidents, and thus speed regulation is necessary in the vicinity of areas where children walk or cross roads.
The NTSA has previously expressed concerns regarding the negative impacts of speeding on pedestrians, arguing that a child hit by a car moving at 30 kilometers per hour stands a significantly lower chance of dying compared to another hit by a car moving at 50 kilometers per hour.
There have been other efforts by NTSA to ensure that learners are safe, such as the ‘Pumzisha Mboka‘ program which ensures that school buses do not run between 6am and 6pm.
Another example is the ‘Safe Roads, Bright Futures‘ program at Mwangaza Comprehensive School in Kayole, Nairobi where speed bumps and pathways have been established near the school to enhance learners’ safety.
Drivers, school transport operators and learners’ parents have been advised by the police and NTSA to observe caution throughout the holiday period.
