Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir has urged motorists, parents and guardians to prioritize road safety as schools reopen for the new term, warning that increased traffic on major roads poses heightened risks to children.
In a public appeal issued as learners return to school across the country for the first term of 2026, Chirchir called for collective responsibility to ensure that every child gets to school and back home safely.
“As our schools reopen for the new term, I urge every Kenyan to join hands in ensuring the safety of our children on the roads,” Chirchir said.
He noted that with thousands of students travelling at the same time, “our roads will experience a surge in traffic,” making vigilance and compliance with traffic rules more critical than ever.
The Transport CS directed motorists to exercise extra caution, especially around school zones and pedestrian crossings.
“Slow down and be alert when approaching school zones and pedestrian crossings; children may be walking and crossing unexpectedly,” he said.
Chirchir also reminded drivers to strictly observe traffic laws, urging them to “obey speed limits, traffic signs, and signals at all times.”
Emphasizing vehicle safety, Chirchir warned against operating unroadworthy vehicles, particularly those ferrying learners.
“Ensure your vehicle is roadworthy; brakes, lights, tyres, and mirrors must be in good condition,” he said, adding that drivers must not overload vehicles carrying children, a practice that significantly increases the risk of accidents.
Parents and guardians were also urged to play their part in keeping children safe on the roads. Chirchir called on them to “choose safe and compliant transport for your children” and to take time to educate learners on basic road safety practices.
“Teach children the basics of road safety; looking both ways before crossing and using designated crossings,” he advised.
The CS stressed that road safety is a shared responsibility that requires cooperation from all road users. “The safety of our children is everyone’s responsibility,” he said, calling on Kenyans to be mindful of one another and to uphold traffic laws to protect young learners.
Chirchir also encouraged members of the public to report reckless driving and dangerous behaviour to the authorities.
“Report reckless behaviour to the authorities @ntsa_kenya and @NPSOfficial_KE. Your vigilance can save lives,” he said.
He concluded his appeal by urging road users to remain cautious and alert. “Stay safe, stay alert, and let us protect our future generation on the roads,” Chirchir said.
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) on Saturday urged all road users to exercise extreme caution and strictly adhere to traffic rules, especially as children begin traveling back to school for the first term of the academic year 2026.
In a press statement, NTSA reported three separate incidents along the Nairobi–Mombasa Highway and the Gilgil–Nakuru Highway, noting that preliminary investigations pointed to reckless driving and failure to observe traffic rules as key factors in the crashes.
“We urge all road users to exercise extreme caution and adhere to traffic rules, especially as our children travel back to school next week,” NTSA said.
