The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has issued a strong appeal to motorists and all road users to exercise extra caution on the roads as schools across the country prepare to close. The agency noted that this period typically records a rise in traffic incidents due to increased passenger volumes, fatigue among long-distance drivers, and lax adherence to safety regulations.
In anticipation of heightened travel activity, NTSA has launched an intensified road safety campaign under the banner #WatotoWafikeSalama (Let the Children Arrive Safely). The campaign focuses on educating drivers, conducting heightened patrols, and enforcing traffic laws along major transport routes to ensure the safe travel of learners and other passengers.
With thousands of students expected to travel home over the coming weeks, NTSA emphasized the need for vigilance, particularly amid the ongoing wet weather conditions affecting many regions. The authority cautioned that slippery roads and poor visibility pose serious risks to drivers, especially those operating public service vehicles carrying children.
To mitigate these risks, NTSA has partnered with stakeholders to scale up road safety education and enhance enforcement operations nationwide. The authority reiterated that the safety of children during this travel period is a shared responsibility among all road users.
Motorists were reminded to strictly observe traffic rules, adjust their driving to match weather conditions, and avoid flooded roads in line with the “Turn around, don’t drown” safety principle. Drivers are also urged to maintain safe speeds and ensure vehicles are roadworthy, with particular attention to tyres, brakes, wipers, and lights.
In addition, parents and guardians were advised to ensure that all children wear seatbelts throughout their journeys and that transport arrangements prioritize safety over convenience. NTSA stressed that small acts of care—such as checking vehicle conditions and enforcing seatbelt use—can make a crucial difference in preventing road tragedies.
The authority’s renewed focus on learner safety follows growing concerns over the rise in road accidents involving school transport and public service vehicles during school opening and closing seasons. By intensifying its patrols and public awareness efforts, NTSA aims to ensure that every child reaches home safely, reinforcing its commitment to protecting lives on Kenya’s roads.
