In Kenya, there has been growing concern over the safety of school buses on the roads, with several high-profile accidents highlighting the issue.
A recent case involved two school buses speeding at over 120 kph, which raised alarms given the increasing number of tragic accidents involving schoolchildren.
One of the most severe accidents occurred in March 2024 when a Kenyatta University bus was involved in a collision that claimed the lives of 11 students, with dozens more injured.
The bus, carrying 58 people, was hit by a trailer, underscoring the dangers of high-speed travel on Kenyan roads.
In another tragic event, a bus from Kapsabet Boys High School veered off the road, resulting in two fatalities and multiple injuries.
Beyond these, accidents like the one in Murang’a County, where a bus from Maadili Junior School overturned, further emphasize the risk.
In this incident, poor road design played a significant role, contributing to the loss of three young lives.
Similar accidents have prompted calls for improved road safety and stricter regulations for school transportation.
These incidents reflect a broader issue of road safety in Kenya, with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) reporting an increase in traffic-related fatalities in recent years.
Despite efforts to crack down on unroadworthy vehicles and reckless driving, more needs to be done to protect schoolchildren on the roads.
