Njao reveals Kenya's school buses are rolling death traps

The National Transport and Safety Authority warned school vehicle operators about safety compliance before the August 25 term reopening. Director General George Njao addressed mounting road safety concerns after 50 people died in accidents during the previous week. Random inspections revealed serious violations among school transport operators across Kenya.

Authority checks revealed vehicles without speed limiters or those operating with malfunctioned equipment, failing to meet KS 2295 standards. Many school buses showed deteriorated interiors with damaged upholstery and broken door mechanisms. Vehicle owners neglected proper maintenance of steering systems and suspension components.

Officials identified 315,000 commercial vehicles operating without current inspection certificates. The authority notified all owners to address these safety deficiencies immediately. Law enforcement received instructions to verify vehicle certificates using the NTSA mobile application before allowing school transportation services.

Public cooperation remains essential for preventing additional road tragedies involving children. Parents must refuse transportation services from operators using unsafe vehicles during the upcoming school term.