NAIROBI, Kenya — The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has intensified nationwide road safety enforcement as schools reopen for the second term, amid renewed concern over road fatalities following a deadly crash along the Mai Mahiu–Narok highway.
Director General Nashon Kondiwa said the authority has activated a strengthened phase of Operation Watoto Wafike Salama, targeting compliance among motorists and transport operators during the back-to-school period.
“A multi-agency team will heighten strict compliance checks across the country, and we urge all motorists to exercise the highest level of responsibility while on the roads,” Kondiwa said in a statement.
Schools reopened on April 27 after a three-week break, marking the start of a 14-week academic term that runs until July 31. Education officials have historically flagged this period as one of heightened road risk due to increased travel volumes involving school children.
As part of the enhanced enforcement, NTSA has directed all school transport providers to submit their vehicles for mandatory inspection to ensure roadworthiness and compliance with safety standards.
“All school transport operators are expected to present their fleets for inspection to confirm that the vehicles are mechanically sound and safe for transporting children,” Kondiwa said.
“We call on parents, school administrations and school transport operators to prioritise the safety of our children during this period.”
The renewed crackdown comes days after a fatal accident in the Nairegia area along the Mai Mahiu–Narok Road claimed eight lives.
According to police, a Toyota Voxy travelling from Nairobi to Narok collided head-on with a Mercedes Axor trailer after the truck driver reportedly lost control and veered into the opposite lane.
All eight occupants of the minivan died at the scene, while the trailer driver sustained serious injuries and was taken to Narok County Referral Hospital.
The impact forced the trailer off the road, where it uprooted trees before plunging into a ditch, leaving the cabin severely damaged.
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“The authority takes this opportunity to condole with the families and friends of those who lost their loved ones in the tragic road traffic crash. We assure the public that we are working closely with the National Police Service to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances that led the driver to lose control of the vehicle, resulting in the head-on collision,” Kondiwa said.
NTSA said findings from the investigation will inform targeted interventions under the National Road Safety Action Plan (2024–2028), a policy framework aimed at reducing road deaths through enforcement, infrastructure improvements and behavioural change.
Kenya continues to grapple with a high burden of road traffic fatalities, with official data indicating thousands of deaths annually, often linked to speeding, driver error and mechanical failure.
The authority said it will work with multiple agencies to implement evidence-based measures, particularly during high-risk travel periods such as school reopening seasons.
