As schools close for the holiday break, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has urged for increased road safety and vigilance to protect children traveling home.
In a press release issued Thursday, NTSA emphasized the importance of closely supervising children and ensuring that only safe vehicles are used for their transport. The authority called on all players in the road transport sector to take necessary measures to guarantee the safe passage of schoolchildren during this period.
“As schoolchildren travel home for the holidays, there is an urgent need for all players within the road transport sector to put measures in place to ensure their safe passage,” NTSA stated.
NTSA also revealed that over the past six years, it has suspended 288 driving licenses and taken action against 420 drivers due to misconduct. The authority assured the public that it has been working closely with the police to ensure road safety during the Easter festivities and beyond.
Motorists were urged to be vigilant and report dangerous driving to the police. “All motorists are therefore required to practice road safety and take responsibility for their actions,” NTSA added.
Meanwhile, authorities have launched investigations into two separate road accidents that occurred in Homa Bay County on Wednesday, which resulted in the death of three students and left several others injured.
The accidents, which took place in the morning, involved students from Ober Boarding Comprehensive School and Mbita High School.
In the first incident, a matatu carrying students from Ober Boys Boarding School collided with a lorry at Kibuon along the Sondu-Ahero road. The impact of the crash led to the tragic deaths of three students, while three others sustained injuries and are receiving treatment.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba confirmed that all parents of the affected students had been informed, except for one whose parent is currently out of the country.
The second accident occurred when a vehicle carrying four students from Mbita High School veered off the road and hit them. The injured students were taken to Prince Richard Hospital in Mbita for treatment. Two of them were later transferred to Homa Bay Teaching and Referral Hospital and are reported to be in stable condition.
“The Ministry of Education is working with law enforcement agencies to conduct thorough investigations into the cause of the two accidents,” said CS Ogamba.
He also urged motorists to strictly follow traffic regulations, especially with the ongoing school breaks.
“On my behalf and on behalf of the Ministry of Education, I send my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wish a quick recovery to those injured in the accidents,” Ogamba added.