As schools reopen across the country, the government has issued a travel advisory urging parents, guardians, students and drivers to prioritise safety on the roads, following a worrying rise in accidents during the holiday and New Year period.

In a travel advisory released on Monday, January 5, 2026, by the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, parents and guardians were reminded that children’s safety begins with proper planning.

The ministry urged families to ensure children are safe and always accounted for, emphasising the importance of knowing where learners are at all times as they travel back to school.

The advisory warned against the use of unregulated and illegal transport, which has been linked to several recent road crashes. Parents were advised to ensure that children use.

 “Only recognised public transport and registered SACCOs when travelling, including approved school buses. As schools reopen, let us put safety and responsibility first on our roads,” the ministry wrote on X.

 According to the ministry, this simple decision can make a life-saving difference.

Students, on their part, were encouraged to plan their journeys wisely. The ministry advised learners to travel early and avoid late-night travel whenever possible, adding that many serious accidents occur at night due to poor visibility, fatigue and reckless driving.

To further enhance safety, students are urged to look out for one another and travel in groups where possible.

Beyond road safety, the advisory also addressed personal conduct during travel. Learners were cautioned to remain alert and disciplined.

“Avoid bad company, stay away from drugs, and do not engage in any criminal activity,” the advisory read.

Such behaviour, the ministry noted, exposes students to unnecessary danger at a time when they should be focused on returning safely to school.

Notice to drivers

The ministry reminded all motorists, especially those ferrying students, to prioritise the safety of themselves, their passengers, and other road users.

 Authorities have signalled that enforcement will be heightened during the school reopening period to curb negligence and reckless driving.

The advisory comes against the backdrop of a tragic accident along the Nairobi–Nakuru highway.

At least nine people lost their lives, while others sustained serious injuries after a head-on collision between a Greenline bus and a Nanyuki Cabs shuttle at the Karai area in Naivasha at around 2 am on Monday.

The crash has renewed public concern over night travel and road safety.