Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has revealed that the government has finished drafting a policy that will govern the use of school buses in the country.
Murkomen revealed in a statement dated Tuesday, March 19, that the policy includes the installation of stop arms on school buses, as is common in other countries such as the United States of America.
In addition, school buses will be required to have attendants to ensure children’s safety. The attendants will work on vehicles transporting pre-school and primary school children.
Furthermore, he stated that school buses will be required to have CCTV installed in order to ensure student safety.
The CS also detailed that all school vehicles will be fitted with a technology that will be able to track the movements of vehicles while on the roads.
Murkomen stated that the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) is finalising the standards for the devices.
“We have finalised the drafting of the School Transport Rules aimed at better regulating and enhancing safety in the transportation of our children.
“These regulations contain the provisions that will Make it mandatory for those building school buses to include material and technology that will protect passengers in case of accidents,” read the statement in part.
In his directive, Murkomen also announced new measures aimed at curbing the rising cases of accidents in the country.
Among the measures he indicated would be implemented was conducting mandatory medical tests for all drivers in the country. The retesting for all drivers and conductors of Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) will also be resumed.
“The National Police Service and NTSA to intensify the ongoing nationwide enforcement and impound all unroadworthy vehicles and those not integrated with the intelligent road safety management system for transmission of speed limiter data.
“In conclusion, as we approach the Easter festivities and closing of schools, we shall be working closely with the NPS and monitoring the enforcement of traffic laws and regulations,” the CS added.
Murkomen issued the directives after over 10 people died in accidents over the weekend among them being students.
