Police to conduct rigorous checks on school buses as holidays begin

Police to conduct rigorous checks on school buses as holidays begin

The operation will target speeding, unroadworthy vehicles, overloading and failure to use safety belts as authorities seek to reduce road accidents during the holiday period.

School transport vehicles will be subjected to rigorous safety checks as the National Police Service (NPS) intensifies traffic enforcement ahead of the end-of-year holidays, when thousands of pupils and students are expected to travel home.

In a statement on Monday, the NPS said it would work with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to inspect school vehicles and enforce traffic rules across the country.

The operation will target speeding, unroadworthy vehicles, overloading and failure to use safety belts as authorities seek to reduce road accidents during the holiday period.

The Service said the expected increase in the number of learners travelling to reunite with their families would lead to heavier traffic on roads, raising the risk of accidents.

“The safety of all road users, especially our children, remains a top priority for the National Police Service,” the Service said.

NPS urged motorists to observe speed limits, avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and refrain from distractions, including using mobile phones while driving.

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Pedestrians and motorcyclists have also been urged to remain alert and follow traffic rules to protect themselves and other road users.

Parents and guardians have been urged to take responsibility for their children's safety by ensuring they travel only in reputable and roadworthy public service vehicles.

The police further called on members of the public to report reckless drivers and vehicles that are not fit for use to the nearest police station or through the available emergency reporting channels.

The public can report such cases through the toll-free emergency numbers 999 and 911, the #FichuaKwaDCI hotline on 0800 722 203, or WhatsApp on 0709 570 000.

The NPS said it would deploy more officers to ensure strict enforcement of traffic laws during the holidays and beyond.

It also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining law and order on the roads and called on Kenyans to work together to prevent accidents.

“Let us all work together to prevent road traffic accidents,” the Service said.