Officers from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) have impounded a school van and a bus allegedly operating without insurance in Nyeri and Tharaka Nithi respectively.
The two vehicles were impounded in an ongoing crackdown to ensure the safety of learners, as schools reopen for term one.
“The driver is at large and efforts to apprehend him are underway,” NTSA said in a statement on Wednesday after impounding the vehicle in Nyeri.
NTSA said operating a school van without insurance is reckless and puts children’s lives at serious risk.
NTSA added that it is vital that all vehicles, especially those carrying children, meet safety standards.
Since the beginning of the week, NTSA has been conducting a campaign dubbed #Watotowafikesalama which seeks to ensure all learners get to schools safely.
In an earlier statement issued on Saturday, NTSA said all vehicles used in the transportation of schoolchildren must comply with a raft of certifications and licenses to be on the road.
“Motor vehicles used to transport children must have valid insurance, roadworthy, fitted with functional speed limiters that transmit data to the NTSA Intelligent Road Safety Management system (IRSMS). The vehicle must also meet all licensing requirements including valid road service licenses, and inspection certificates among others,” the authority stated.
NTSA also urged parents to avoid letting their children use non-compliant public service vehicles to go to school.
It further asked motorists to exercise caution during this time when there is increased traffic of vehicles ferrying children to schools around the country.
“All road users are therefore reminded to adhere to the Highway Code, remain cautious, and reduce speed to ensure the well-being of our children. Private motorists, public service vehicle operators, school management and parents/guardians have a huge responsibility in ensuring the safety of our children,” NTSA added.
Among the checks NTSA conducts on motor vehicles are their roadworthiness, inspection certificate and Road Service License, a functional speed limiter, valid driver’s license and PSV badge, excess passengers, belting up and ensuring that no passengers are hanging on either side of the vehicles.
