The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has rolled out stringent measures aimed at enhancing safety in school transportation, particularly concerning the conduct of motorists sharing the road with school buses.
Under the Traffic (School Transport) Rules of 2024, crafted by Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, all drivers will be prohibited from overtaking a school bus that has extended its stop signs.
As per the regulations, every school bus will be equipped with stop sign arms and flashing red lights to signal other motorists regarding student embarking and disembarking activities.
"Drivers must come to a complete stop and refrain from attempting to overtake a school vehicle when the stop signal arm is extended, and the flashing red lights on the uppermost part of the front and rear sides of the school vehicle are activated," stated the proposal.
Violation of this rule will result in severe penalties, including a minimum six-month suspension of driving licenses upon conviction, in addition to any other applicable fines.
Furthermore, the regulations also address the issue of overtaking near learning institutions, aiming to bolster the safety of children. Offenders will face fines not exceeding Ksh20,000.
Stop Sign Arms & Red Light Indicators
The proposed rules mandate that all vehicles engaged in school transportation install stop arms, a practice prevalent in European countries. These stop arms will be affixed to the front and rear right-hand side of the buses.
Additionally, school buses will be required to feature dual red light indicators on the uppermost part of the front and rear sides.
"The driver must utilize the stop signal arm and dual red light indicators on the uppermost part of the front and rear sides of the vehicle while students are crossing the roads," stipulated the regulations.
These measures underscore NTSA's commitment to ensuring the safety of students during their commute to and from school, aligning with global best practices in school transportation management.
