The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has issued a public notice urging heightened vigilance on the roads ahead of school reopening, amid a surge in traffic accidents.

The alert, released on Friday, August 15, 2025, under the hashtags #UsalamaBarabarani and #WatotoWafikeSalama, comes against the backdrop of grim statistics—2,933 people have died in road crashes between January and August 10, 2025, with 80 fatalities recorded in just four days.

“Operations to ensure the vehicles that will be used to carry children back to school are mechanically sound.”From random compliance checks and analysis of reports on inspection of school transport vehicles, we have observed the following major safety concerns:non-serviced (expired) speed limiters, contrary to the requirements of KS 2295:2018” read part of the statement.

Concerns over school transport

NTSA said recent compliance checks on school vehicles revealed major safety lapses. These include non-serviced or faulty speed limiters, some of which fail to transmit data to the Intelligent Road Safety Management System (IRSMS). Other problems noted were worn-out interiors, malfunctioning door locks, defective seat belts, poor seat anchorage, and missing anti-roll bars.

Exterior defects such as corroded chassis and faulty suspensions were also found, raising concerns over KS 372:2019 compliance. The authority has warned against operating without valid inspection certificates, stressing that roadworthiness is non-negotiable.

“Concerns with KS 372:2019 compliance. Several vehicles had poor seat anchorages and lacked anti-roll bars that are crucial for the stability of the vehicle, while others had no VIN plate. The standard guides that motor vehicles must be constructed by approved body builders and assessed by approved conformity assessors.”

Call for urgent maintenance

“Motor vehicle owners should service their vehicles to detect and fix potential problems. This will help minimise the risk of crashes caused by mechanical failures,” NTSA said.

The agency urged parents and guardians to ensure their children are not transported in unroadworthy vehicles. “Road safety is a shared responsibility, and if all road users actively participate, we can reduce fatalities and injuries,” it added.

Government steps up action

Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir has condemned the rising number of accidents and pledged to intensify safety audits. He said the government is rolling out initiatives under the National Road Safety Action Plan 2024-2028, which include legislative reforms and infrastructure upgrades such as the redesign of the Nithi Bridge.

“Full compliance with speed limits, maintenance standards, proper licensing, and traffic rules is not optional—it is a collective responsibility that safeguards lives,” Chirchir said.

The NTSA alert is part of a wider push to instil a culture of safety among motorists, passengers, and pedestrians. As schools reopen, the emphasis is on ensuring every child reaches their destination safely, and the nation reverses the worrying trend of road carnage.