NTSA's Warning To Matatu Drivers Ahead Of School Closure

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has warned Matatu against allowing indecent behaviors from learners when schools close next week.

Speaking on Friday August 4, NTSA Safety Strategy Manager Samwel Musumba said the authority will take action on any operator whose vehicle will be found with students drinking of smoking.

"We have seen in the past where you find students on board a matatu drinking or smoking bhang on board. That is bad and we are discouraging that. Any operator whose vehicles will be found with such kind of incidences as an authority we will definitely take action within the law because that is not right. We have to protect these children,” said Musumba.

He urged the drivers to observe traffic rules and ensure the learners have put on safety belts for their safety.

"Ensure that they belt up when they are on board because they are normal passengers, don't treat them like they are different people, they are just normal passengers. don’t operate into the night and ensure they get their destinations early enough,” the NTSA safety strategy manager stated.

Musumba at the same time asked schools to ensure that their vehicles are in good condition before they carry students. 

"We also want to urge the school management to ensure that their vehicles are in good condition. Remember that school transport is a public service vehicle that carries passengers just like the matatus," he said.

He further asked schools to engage their drivers and know their well-being and look for other drivers incase they are not feeling well. 

 “If the driver says he is not fit to drive, please get another driver," Musumba added.