Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced the finalization of a government policy aimed at regulating the use of school buses nationwide.
In a statement released on Tuesday, March 19, Murkomen disclosed that the policy includes the implementation of stop arms on school buses, a practice observed in countries like the United States of America.
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The policy mandates the presence of attendants on school buses, particularly those transporting pre-school and primary school children, to bolster child safety.
Besides, all school buses will be required by the government to have CCTV cameras installed to ensure student safety.
Murkomen also outlined plans to equip all school vehicles with tracking technology to monitor their movements on the roads.
Students at Starehe high school taking exams ;Image/File
The statement also highlighted the drafting of School Transport Rules aimed at improving regulation and safety in children’s transportation. These rules will mandate the inclusion of safety materials and technologies in school bus construction to protect passengers in the event of accidents.
As part of measures to address the increasing accidents in the country, Murkomen announced the implementation of mandatory medical tests for all drivers, along with the resumption of retesting for drivers and conductors of Public Service Vehicles (PSVs).
He further instructed the National Police Service and NTSA to intensify nationwide enforcement efforts, impounding unroadworthy vehicles and those lacking integration with the intelligent road safety management system for speed limiter data transmission.
The transport CS emphasized the collaboration with the National Police Service during the upcoming Easter festivities and school closures to ensure strict enforcement of traffic laws and regulations.
These directives come in the wake of multiple accidents over the weekend that claimed the lives of over 10 individuals, including students.
