The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has launched a nationwide road safety campaign to protect learners travelling home for the August school holidays, with authorities warning that the expected rise in traffic could expose children to a higher risk of road crashes.
Dubbed Operation Watoto Wafike Salama, the campaign will bring together the National Police Service, County Transport and Safety Committees and other partners to strengthen enforcement, increase public awareness and ensure vehicles carrying learners comply with road safety requirements.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Authority called on motorists, parents, guardians, school bus operators and all transport providers to make children's safety their top priority during the holiday travel period.
"As schools across the country prepare for the August holidays, the Authority reminds all road users, parents, guardians, school bus operators, and transporters of the critical need to prioritize the safety of our children," NTSA said.
It added that "increased travel during this period significantly raises the risk of road traffic crashes involving learners. Extra caution and responsibility from everyone are essential since every child deserves to reach home safely."
As part of the operation, authorities will increase patrols along major transport routes and carry out random inspections on vehicles transporting children to ensure they meet safety standards.
The inspections will focus on the roadworthiness of vehicles, including the condition of speed limiters, seat belts, tyres, brakes and lights.
The campaign will also see officers crack down on speeding, overloading, drunk driving, driver fatigue and other traffic offences that endanger passengers.
Drivers will also undergo random compliance checks to confirm they have valid driving licences, PSV badges, road service licences and vehicle inspection certificates.
Beyond enforcement, NTSA said it will intensify road safety education campaigns targeting motorists and members of the public to encourage responsible behaviour throughout the school holiday period.
The Authority also appealed to Kenyans to support the campaign by reporting dangerous driving and other unsafe practices that could put children at risk through emergency services, including police hotlines, St. John's Ambulance, the Kenya Red Cross or the NTSA incident reporting platform.
"Road safety is a shared responsibility. Let us all play our part to protect our children," the Authority said.
The campaign comes as schools prepare to close for the August break. Under the Ministry of Education's 2026 school calendar, Term Two ends on July 31, with the holiday running from August 3 to August 21 before learners return to school on August 24.