The Ministry of Transport has issued new guidelines that will dictate the operation of school vehicles and transportation of learners.
The National Transport Safety Authority (NTSA) issued the guidelines in the wake of recent accidents involving school vehicles.
Led by Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, the Ministry of Transport under the Traffic (school transport) rules, 2024 proposed that school vehicles be serviced regularly and keep updated records dating back two years.
School drivers are required to drive for not more than eight hours continuously. The school vehicles are only allowed to operate between 5 am and 10 pm.
The school buses are required to have comprehensive insurance and be inspected bi-annually. They should also be fitted with safety belts designed to be used by children.
Each bus must have an attendant with a STOP sign to use in traffic should the vehicle be ferrying elementary learners.
All school vehicles must be painted yellow colour code FFD800.
Each vehicle must have a functional fire extinguisher located at an accessible area, ready for use by any one on board the vehicle. They must also be fitted with red light indicators at the top front and rear sides of the vehicles.
School vehicles must be branded “SCHOOL BUS” on both sides and in the rear side, the words “DO NOT PASS WHEN RED LIGHTS ARE FLASHING” in black colour.
The vehicles must be fitted with adequate quality mirrors that enable the driver to view all sides of the bus. They must also have stop signs on both the front and rear right side.
The proposal suggests fixed seats in school vehicles. They should be soft, and fitted with shock-absorbent and fire resistant materials. They should not have sharp edges.
“No bars or any other obstructions may be fixed on the windows whether from the inside or the outside,” the proposal states.
School vehicle drivers are required to posses the NTSA drivers license for the category of school bus driver. They will also undergo annual tests for criminal record and medical.
Those found with a criminal record shall be disqualified from the category of school driver.
Under the new proposal, school drivers are required to be fully responsible for the safety of everyone onboard.
They are also required to ensure the vehicle is in perfect road condition, clean, and safe at all times. They should also ensure children disembark safely.
Designated vehicle attendants will also be required to be licensed by NTSA as PSV conductors and undergo annual medical and criminal record tests before they can operate.
While assisting in loading and unloading the students, the attendants will also help the drivers ensure safety of the vehicles, and that of the students as well.
“Assist the driver with the post-trip inspection to ensure no student is left on board the bus; assist students with disabilities and with personal needs associated with their disabilities; ensure that a child who is disembarking from a motor vehicle has safely disembarked and cleared a safe distance from the motor vehicle; and be responsible for helping students cross the road,” read the guidelines.
NTSA will issue school transport provider and school vehicle road licenses valid annually at a cost of Ksh2000 and Ksh1,500 respectively.
For students ferried to school using motorcycles, NTSA proposed that there be no other luggage on board, or should there be, it must be stored in a backpack or carrier.
Learners below the age of 12 must be in the company of an adult and sit in between the rider and the parent, and wear a child-size helmet.
“A person who contravenes any provision of these rules commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding Ksh.20,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or, both,” the proposed law states.
“The Authority may in addition to any other penalty prescribed under these Rules suspend the driving license of any offender.”