Transport CS Davis Chirchir calls for road vigilance as schools reopen
By Kenneth Mwenda, January 5, 2026Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport, Davis Chirchir, has urged all road users to take extra care as schools reopen across the country.
In a message shared on X on Monday, January 5, 2026, Chirchir warned that the return to school brings a sharp increase in traffic, with thousands of children travelling on the roads at the same time.
“As our schools reopen for the new term, I urge every Kenyan to join hands in ensuring the safety of our children on the roads. With thousands of students returning to school across the country, our roads will experience a surge in traffic,” he posted.
He said motorists, parents, and pedestrians all share responsibility for keeping learners safe.
Chirchir noted that school opening days often lead to congested roads, especially in urban centres and along major highways. The mix of vehicles, school buses, matatus, boda bodas, and pedestrians creates dangerous conditions if road users fail to follow the rules. He said simple actions could prevent serious accidents.
The CS directed his strongest message to motorists. He asked drivers to slow down near schools, bus stops, and pedestrian crossings, where children may cross without warning. He told them to obey speed limits, traffic signs, and signals at all times.
Chirchir also reminded drivers to ensure their vehicles are in good condition before getting on the road. Brakes, tyres, lights, and mirrors must work properly.
He warned against overloading vehicles carrying schoolchildren, saying the practice puts young lives at risk. Overloading remains common despite clear regulations and continues to contribute to road crashes involving pupils.
Parents urged on safety
Chirchir also addressed parents and guardians. He urged them to choose safe and legal transport for their children, including registered school buses and compliant matatus. He advised parents to avoid unroadworthy vehicles and unlicensed operators, even when they offer cheaper fares.
In addition, he encouraged parents to teach children basic road safety skills at home. These include looking both ways before crossing the road, using pedestrian crossings, and avoiding distractions near traffic.
Chirchir stressed that road safety is a shared duty. He said every Kenyan must follow traffic laws and remain alert, especially during school terms. His goal, he said, is for every child to reach school safely in the morning and return home without harm in the evening.
He also called on the public to report reckless driving immediately. He tagged the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and the National Police Service, saying public reports can help authorities act before accidents happen.
The warning comes at a critical time. Kenya continues to record high numbers of road accidents, with schoolchildren among the most vulnerable road users. Past crashes involving school vehicles have led to the loss of young lives and sparked calls for tougher enforcement.
Authorities have taken steps to improve safety. NTSA continues to run public education campaigns, while police increase patrols around schools during opening weeks. Recent road design guidelines also prioritise safety features such as speed bumps, clear signage, and pedestrian crossings near schools.