NTSA: No school buses on the road before 6 am and past 6 pm

Schools in Kenya have kicked off a new academic year with notable changes in the transport sector. The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has reiterated strict operating hours for school buses to ensure the safety of learners on the roads.

In a notice on Friday, January 9, the agency noted that school buses must adhere to a fixed schedule to minimise risks associated with early morning and late evening travel.

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has reiterated, warning that early morning and late evening travel exposes learners to heightened safety risks.

NTSA emphasised the importance of observing safe operating hours for school buses, stating that School buses are not permitted to operate before 6 am or after 6 pm.

"School buses are not permitted to operate before 6 am or after 6 pm keep learners safe. Early morning and late evening travel increases risks," the notice read.

The service warned that the tragic trend has come with severe consequences for victims and families.

"The National Police Service (NPS) has noted with great concern and regret an increase in road traffic accidents that has so far claimed some 31 lives in the first six days of the new year 2026.

"This has been accompanied by devastating injuries, destruction of property and other grim realities as a consequence. This is unacceptably alarming and cannot be allowed to continue. It is a crisis that demands immediate, collective, and decisive action," the notice read.

The authority stressed the importance of adhering to traffic rules, ensuring vehicles are roadworthy, and avoiding night travel to reduce risks during the busy school period. Vehicle owners are urged to present their buses and vans for the mandatory annual inspection at NTSA motor vehicle inspection centres.

NTSA also urged Kenyans to take photos or videos of vehicles being driven recklessly and share them.

Under the Traffic (Amendment) Act of 2017, school buses are barred from travelling between 6 pm and 6 am. The rule was first enforced in 2018 following a spike in fatal nighttime bus accidents involving students.