NTSA intensifies road patrols, urges caution as thousands of learners travel home during October school closing period

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has announced heightened road patrols and enforcement operations on major highways ahead of the nationwide school closure period.

In a statement released on Tuesday, October 7, the authority appealed to motorists and all road users to exercise extra caution, warning that previous school-closing seasons have often recorded an increase in road crashes. The surge has been attributed to fatigue among long-distance drivers, poor road discipline, and heavy passenger traffic.

“With schools set to close in the coming weeks, children across the country will be eagerly heading home,” NTSA stated.

The agency noted that the ongoing rainy conditions have made roads more dangerous, with slippery surfaces and low visibility posing additional risks, especially to public transport operators ferrying learners.

To address these concerns, NTSA has relaunched the #WatotoWafikeSalama campaign, focusing on safety education, increased patrols, and strict enforcement of traffic regulations along key transport corridors.

“The Authority, in partnership with various stakeholders, will heighten Operation Watoto Wafike Salama through road safety education, intensified patrols, and enforcement initiatives. Motorists must mitigate these dangers and ensure every child reaches home safely,” NTSA emphasized.

Among the safety measures, motorists have been urged to strictly obey traffic rules, reduce speeds during rains, avoid flooded roads in line with the “Turn around, don’t drown” principle, and ensure all passengers especially children wear seatbelts.

Drivers are also advised to maintain their vehicles by checking tyres, brakes, wipers, and lights to ensure optimal performance in wet weather.

NTSA further reminded Kenyans that road safety is a collective responsibility requiring vigilance and responsibility from everyone on the road.

The agency’s intensified operations come amid growing concern over increased accidents involving school transport and public service vehicles during the opening and closing of academic terms