The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has issued a public safety notice directed at drivers and matatu operators across Kenya, urging them to observe strict passenger safety rules as schools prepare to close for the holiday period. NTSA issued a safety notice to drivers. Photo: NTSA. Source: Facebook In a message posted on X, NTSA reminded transport operators that all passengers, including learners heading home for the holidays, must be seated and have their seatbelts fastened before any journey begins. “As learners travel back home for holidays, ensure all passengers are seated and have fastened their seatbelts before starting the journey. Furthermore, ensure that no child or body parts are protruding outside the vehicle,” NTSA stated.What is NTSA’s broader road safety message? The notice forms part of a wider safety campaign targeting the entire transport ecosystem rather than individual road users alone. NTSA emphasised that road crashes are rarely the result of a single factor, and that a thorough examination of the full transport system is necessary to reduce fatalities. The authority identified several areas requiring attention: road and route safety standards, regular vehicle maintenance, speed management, driver vetting processes, and the availability of emergency response plans.
NTSA argued that each of these elements plays a critical role in protecting lives on Kenyan roads. The timing of the notice is significant. School holiday periods typically see a sharp rise in passenger volumes on public transport, with matatus and other vehicles frequently recorded carrying excess passengers or operating in poor mechanical condition. Children are among the most vulnerable in such situations, particularly when vehicles travel at high speeds or make abrupt stops. What else did NTSA say? NTSA’s appeal goes beyond reminding individual drivers of their obligations. The authority is calling on all actors within the transport sector, from fleet owners and saccos to route managers, to ensure their operations meet safety standards before vehicles hit the road. Kenyans are encouraged to report unsafe vehicles or reckless driving to NTSA through its official channels to help keep roads safe during the holiday season.
