NTSA Warns Public to Report Drug Use in School Vehicles as Second Term Begins
Kenyans have been asked to stay alert and report any cases where students appear to be using drugs or alcohol while travelling in school vehicles. This follows fresh concerns raised by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) over increasing safety threats linked to school transport.
In a statement released on April 30, the authority urged members of the public to immediately report any suspicious behaviour or confirmed incidents involving school children under the influence of drugs or alcohol while on the road.
NTSA stressed that protecting children during transport is a shared duty among all Kenyans. The agency noted that everyone has a role to play in ensuring learners travel safely to and from school without being exposed to dangerous behaviour.
According to the authority, once a school vehicle is reported for suspected drug or alcohol use, an urgent investigation may be launched involving the school administration, the transport provider, and the driver responsible for the trip.
Depending on what investigators find, the vehicle owner or operator may be called in for inspection and compliance checks. At the same time, the driver could face disciplinary measures, suspension, or even cancellation of their driving licence if found careless, negligent, or involved in the misconduct.
NTSA’s warning comes at a time when drug and substance abuse among students in Kenya continues to rise, causing concern among parents, teachers, and government agencies.
Figures from the 2024/2025 report by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) show that 20.2 per cent of primary school pupils have tried at least one addictive substance.
The report also indicated that 16.9 per cent were active users at the time the study was carried out.
The situation is also serious in secondary schools. A 2026 study conducted by the University of Nairobi found that drug and substance abuse among secondary school students ranges between 20 per cent and 40 per cent.
The study further revealed a worrying trend, showing that nearly one out of every three secondary school learners may have experimented with or used drugs at least once.
Universities are also facing a growing challenge. NACADA data shows that 45.6 per cent of university students are involved in drug or substance use, highlighting the wider national problem affecting young people.
Among the most commonly abused substances are alcohol, tobacco, khat, cannabis, and prescription medication such as codeine.
This latest campaign is part of the Usalama Barabarani programme, where NTSA is working to improve road safety and ensure students are transported securely as schools reopen for the second term this week.
Members of the public who witness such incidents are encouraged to report them through NTSA’s Customer Care Helpline on 0709 932 000 or 020 6632 000. They can also contact the authority’s dedicated call centre on 0709 932 300.
Join TUKO KADI Official WhatsApp Channel to stay updated on time
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30
