Operation Watoto Wafike Salama: NTSA launches August holiday road safety crackdown
By Aloys Michael, July 23, 2026The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has announced intensified road safety enforcement measures ahead of the August school holidays, targeting vehicles transporting learners and other public service vehicles across Kenya.
Under the ongoing Operation Watoto Wafike Salama Campaign, NTSA will work with the National Police Service, County Transport and Safety Committees, and other road safety stakeholders to conduct compliance checks, public awareness campaigns, and enforcement operations along major transport corridors.
The campaign comes as thousands of learners prepare to travel home during the August school closure period, a time when increased passenger movement often raises the risk of road traffic crashes involving children.
NTSA has urged parents, guardians, school bus operators, drivers, transporters, and all road users to prioritise child safety and ensure learners reach their destinations safely.
“As schools across the country prepare for the August holidays, the Authority reminds all road users, parents, guardians, school bus operators, and transporters of the critical need to prioritise the safety of our children,” NTSA Wrote on X on Thursday, July 23, 2026.
The Authority emphasised that preventing road crashes requires shared responsibility from all road users.
“Extra caution and responsibility from everyone are essential since every child deserves to reach home safely,” NTSA said.
NTSA road safety checks
During the August school closure period, NTSA and its enforcement partners will increase patrols and spot checks targeting vehicles used to transport learners in Nairobi, other urban centres, counties, and major travel routes across the country.
The inspections will focus on ensuring that school buses, vans, and other passenger vehicles comply with mandatory safety requirements before carrying children.
NTSA listed key measures under Operation Watoto Wafike Salama, including increased multi-agency patrols and spot checks on vehicles transporting children. The Authority said random vehicle inspections will focus on roadworthiness, functional speed limiters, seat belts, tyres, brakes, lights, and other critical safety requirements
NTSA will also enforce strict measures against speeding, overloading, drunk driving, driver fatigue, and other road safety violations.
In addition, compliance checks will be conducted to verify driving licences, PSV badges, road service licences, and vehicle inspection certificates. The campaign will also include enhanced road safety education targeting motorists, parents, transport operators, and members of the
The Authority said these inspections are aimed at reducing risks associated with unsafe vehicles, reckless driving, and non-compliance with transport regulations.
NTSA warned motorists and transport operators that violations such as excessive speed, overloading, driving under the influence of alcohol, and driver fatigue will attract enforcement action.
“Strict enforcement against speeding, overloading, drunk driving, driver fatigue, and other road safety violations” will be undertaken during the campaign, the Authority said.
The crackdown will also ensure that drivers operating passenger vehicles have valid documentation and that vehicles meet required safety standards before being allowed on Kenyan roads.
Public urged to report unsafe practices
NTSA has called on members of the public to support Operation Watoto Wafike Salama by reporting incidents and unsafe practices that may put children at risk.
“The Authority urges members of the public to support these efforts by reporting any incidents or unsafe practices that put children at risk,” NTSA stated.
Members of the public have been encouraged to use NTSA’s official customer service platforms, police emergency reporting channels, and relevant county transport safety offices to report unsafe road practices.
The August school holiday period traditionally records increased travel as learners move between schools, homes, and holiday destinations. Higher traffic volumes, long-distance journeys, and unsafe driving behaviour can expose children to greater road risks.
Through Operation Watoto Wafike Salama, NTSA aims to promote safer school transport, improve compliance among operators, and encourage responsible road use among all motorists.
The Authority has encouraged drivers to avoid speeding, take regular breaks during long journeys, ensure passengers use seat belts, and comply with all traffic regulations.