School buses undergo safety scrutinisation by NTSA ahead of schools opening

Inspection centre in Industrial Area, Nairobi. [File, Standard]

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) assessed safety standards of school buses in Nakuru County ahead of the start of the third term today.

The safety measures included measurements of the roadworthiness of the vehicles, checking of their speed limits and inspection of the vehicles' facilities, like tyres, belts and seats.

Several buses that were found to be unroadworthy were given conditions to meet for them to be returned to the roads, with the approval of the NTSA and the National Police Service.

The inspections were carried out by NTSA in conjunction with the National Police Service.

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NTSA Regional Coordinator John Parteroi said they were keen on the safety of students, whether they were using the school buses or Public Service Vehicles (PSV), to ensure they (students) get to their intended destinations as schools open from today (tomorrow).

"We are determined to see that we prevent accidents on our roads this week when schools are getting ready to open as from tomorrow (today). We are keen to monitor the roadworthiness of school buses and PSV vehicles in the county and in the region," Parteroi said.

He said they'll not condone any reckless drivers on the roads, whether in Public Service Vehicles (PSV)or school buses, this week and beyond, to arrest accidents as the festive season gets nearer.

Nakuru County Traffic Police Commander Allan Ogola said public service vehicles must adhere to the traffic rules if they want to be in business.

"Your vehicles must first be in good condition. Thereafter, drivers must strictly observe traffic rules this week when schools open, as we don't want any accidents as we get to the festive season," he said.

"We'll also get to the PSV vehicles this week, starting from today (Monday) onwards, towards the festive season. This time, we don't want to see any accidents on these roads at all, at all," said Ogolla.

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He was impressed with the roadworthiness of several school buses, which included those from Moi High School, Kabarak, and Moi Primary and Junior School – Kabarak.

"This is the best example that we expect most schools and PSV vehicles to follow," he explained.

On his part, Mr Parteroi gave a list of demands to schools whose buses had to meet before their vehicles were allowed on the roads.

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