As schools across Kenya break for the August holiday, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has issued a fresh warning to parents and drivers: prioritise children’s safety on the road.

The three-week school holiday, which begins on August 4, typically sees a spike in road traffic. In a statement on Monday, NTSA urged heightened vigilance during drop-offs and pick-ups, saying the break poses “increased risk of accidents, especially involving young learners.”

“We are reminding parents and transport operators to remain alert,” said the Authority. “Children should be dropped and picked up only at safe, designated points, and all vehicles must be roadworthy.”

Safety Before Speed

NTSA called on school transport providers to ensure that drivers observe speed limits and that buses are regularly maintained. Parents were also advised to keep a close eye on children crossing roads, particularly in high-traffic urban areas.

The warning comes ahead of a busy academic period. Schools are set to reopen for Term 3 on August 25, a crucial stretch that will lead into national examinations.

According to the Ministry of Education calendar, KPSEA and KILEA assessments will take place between October 27 and 31, followed by the KCSE exams in November.

Funding Shortfalls Threaten School Operations

But even as families prepare for the holiday, a deeper crisis is unfolding within the education sector. Many public schools are struggling to stay open, weighed down by unpaid government capitation funds that have steadily piled up since 2019.

Some institutions have already closed early due to lack of money, while others are on the verge of collapse.

The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) estimates that schools are owed Sh18.06 billion in capitation funds for the first two terms of 2025 alone. That’s a shortfall of about Sh6,000 per student.

“This situation is untenable,” said KUPPET Secretary General Akello Misori. “Some schools are literally surviving on donations of food and learning materials. And we’re now seeing credible threats of auction from suppliers due to unpaid debts.”

Treasury Admits the Problem, But Solutions Remain Elusive

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi recently acknowledged the funding crisis, calling the current model “unsustainable.” But education stakeholders say acknowledgement isn’t enough.

Former KESSHA chair Kahi Indimuli, who previously petitioned Parliament over the crisis, says the government owes schools up to Sh68 billion in arrears dating back to the Covid-19 pandemic.

In rural areas, headteachers have been forced to take personal loans—often through Mwalimu Sacco—just to keep schools running.

The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has also weighed in, urging Parliament to block any further cuts to the education budget and fast-track emergency disbursements.

“This is not just a financial issue,” said a KNUT spokesperson. “It’s a matter of national priority.”

Looking Ahead

While families plan for safe travel this holiday, school leaders face a stark reality: without immediate government intervention, many institutions may not reopen in time for the critical third term.

For now, roads may be clearing—but the road ahead for Kenya’s public schools remains uncertain.