The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has unveiled a series of proposed measures aimed at enhancing the safety of school transport.

The Draft Traffic (School Transport) Rules 2025 outlines specific requirements for vehicles ferrying children, including distinct labelling and enhanced safety features.

According to NTSA, “vehicles transporting children [must] be printed the words ‘SCHOOL BUS’ on the front and rear and the words ‘DO NOT PASS WHEN RED LIGHTS ARE FLASHING’ at the rear in block letters at least 8 inches in black colour.”

Additionally, each vehicle is expected to display a complaints phone number preceded by the phrase “INCASE VEHICLE BEING DRIVEN RECKLESSLY CALL.”


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In response to the draft regulations, social media users shared suggestions to further improve safety.

One user proposed, “They should additionally have this retractable Stop sign on the side. To caution oncoming vehicles, whenever the school bus comes to a stop either to pick up, disembark, or allow children to cross the road safely.”

Another user questioned the current bus designs, suggesting, “Shouldn't you also propose a specific design for school buses for any new registrations. The current bus designs most derived from lorry chassis are too high and not child friendly.”

Eric Nyaga, another Kenyan, echoed concerns over bus construction, stating, “The bus build should also be reinforced.”

The NTSA clarified that school transport vehicles must conform to established safety standards, noting, “School transport vehicles will be required to conform to KS 372 Road vehicle – Passenger vehicle body constructions alongside other 6 standards. (KS 2295-1, KS 2295-2, KS 2092, KS 2517, DKS 924 and KS 1820: 2005).”

This revelation sparked surprise among Kenyans, with Edwin Kariuki remarking, “We have actual standards? I'm not trolling, just surprised.

We have actual bus construction standards??” The NTSA confirmed the existence of such standards, tagging the Kenya Bureau of Standards in their response.

The draft regulations aim to bolster safety for children, prompting robust public discussion as stakeholders await the finalisation of the rules.