School Buses To Undergo Inspection Before May 1 Under New Regulations

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In an effort to combat road accidents, the government has introduced new measures requiring all school buses to undergo inspection before May 1.

A joint statement issued by the Ministries of Transport and Interior emphasizes the need to assess the mechanical condition of the buses and ensure the proper functioning of speed limiters

Furthermore, the statement outlines the following key points:

Night enforcement and random checks along major highways will be intensified by the National Police Service (NPS) and the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), with a particular focus on accident-prone areas.
Vehicle owners will be responsible for the removal of stalled vehicles from roads at their own expense.

In light of these developments, it is necessary for all educational institutions to present their vehicles for inspection by the specified deadline.

Transportation Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has also implemented additional measures, including:

Imposing time restrictions on school bus operations, limiting their operating hours to between 6 am and 7 pm.
Halting the issuance of new routes to public service vehicle (PSV) operators by the NTSA. This directive will allow for a thorough review of all existing routes and operators.
Suspending the granting of short-term PSV licenses until a comprehensive review of all PSV routes has been completed.

Murkomen has called for increased enforcement efforts during nighttime hours and random checks on major highways, with a specific focus on accident-prone areas. Furthermore, he emphasizes the importance of removing stalled vehicles from roads promptly, with the cost falling on the vehicle owners.

Under the new regulations, any vehicle found operating without the required licenses will be impounded, and both the owner and the driver will face charges in accordance with the Traffic Act. Additionally, individuals found to be exceeding passenger capacity limits, as well as drivers and conductors, will be detained and charged.

Murkomen appeals to the judiciary to impose the harshest penalties possible on traffic offenders, including riders, pedestrians, drivers, and passengers.

Regarding fatigue management, Murkomen instructs that drivers must adhere to the mandated eight-hour working shift as per regulations. He also warns that Saccos (Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations) whose drivers are involved in accidents and found to have exceeded the permitted working hours will fac hie suspension of their operator licenses and vehicle insurance.

Furthermore, operators failing to meet the minimum threshold of serviceable vehicles, as well as those in non-compliance with road service licenses, inspection certificates, and PSV licenses, will be suspended.

Murkomen also suspends speed limiter vendors with poor performance in speed management from installing new devices until the NTSA completes its assessment. However, these vendors are expected to ensure 100% compliance with vehicles already equipped with speed limiters.

Addressing the issue of boda boda (motorcycle taxi) and pedestrian safety, Murkomen directs county governments and the NPS to enforce all relevant sections of the Traffic Act to ensure compliance and protect lives.