NTSA Proposes New Safety Regulations for Boda Bodas Carrying School Children
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) is pushing for stricter safety measures for boda boda riders transporting school children. Under the proposed Traffic (School Transport) Rules 2025, riders must ensure that children wear protective gear to enhance their safety.
One of the key changes in the draft rules is that schoolchildren transported on motorcycles will not be allowed to carry hand luggage. Instead, all items must either be secured in a backpack or placed in a designated carrier on the motorcycle.
“A motorcycle transporting schoolchildren should not carry any other luggage unless it is properly placed inside a carrier,” the draft regulation states. Violating this rule could result in a penalty of up to Ksh20,000, a six-month jail term, or both. “Any person found breaking these rules will be guilty of an offence and, upon conviction, may face a fine not exceeding Ksh20,000 or imprisonment for a maximum of six months, or both,” the proposal outlines.
These new measures are aimed at improving the safety of children during their daily commute to and from school. NTSA is also proposing additional rules for school transport providers. Under the new regulations, all school transport service providers must acquire an annual operating license from NTSA. Furthermore, every school vehicle will need to have a special school transport road license.
The proposed regulations also require all school transport vehicles to be fitted with fully functional safety belts designed specifically for children, meeting the required safety standards. In addition, school transport vehicles must undergo annual inspections and maintain at least third-party insurance coverage.
For providers of transport services for younger schoolchildren, such as those in elementary schools, NTSA wants every vehicle to have a dedicated school transport attendant. “For elementary school transport services, there must be a designated school vehicle attendant assigned to each vehicle,” the proposal states.
Additionally, school buses will be required to have clear safety markings, including stop signal arms, flashing red lights, and visible cautionary messages like “DO NOT PASS WHEN RED LIGHTS ARE FLASHING.”
Another significant change in the proposal is the requirement for all school transport vehicles to be equipped with a vehicular telematics system. This includes a passenger-facing camera to improve monitoring, ensure compliance with safety rules, and enhance accountability among school transport operators.
These proposed regulations, if implemented, aim to create a safer and more organized school transport system, ensuring that children travel to and from school with greater protection.
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