Last reviewed: 24 October 2026
Thousands of Kenyan children travel to school every day by school bus, van, matatu or boda boda. Whether you use the school’s own vehicle or a private transport provider, a few checks can make the journey much safer. This guide summarises what Kenyan rules require and the questions parents should ask.
On this page
What the law says
School transport is now governed by the Traffic (School Transport) Rules, 2026 (Legal Notice 11 of 2026, made under section 105B of the Traffic Act and published on 13 February 2026), enforced by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA). In summary:
- Licensing: school transport providers and each school vehicle need an NTSA licence, renewed with inspection.
- Identification: school vehicles must be painted yellow and clearly marked as school transport.
- Seats and belts: every learner must be seated, and vehicles need seat belts suitable for children.
- Attendants and drivers: the Rules set qualifications for school drivers and require vehicle attendants to help children on and off.
- Stop arms and telematics: the Rules require reflectorised stop-signal arms and a telematics (tracking) system from 1 July 2026, but NTSA has said enforcement of these two rules has not yet started and timelines will be announced.
- Speed: the Traffic Act sets a 50 km/h limit for all vehicles on roads within school boundaries and at designated school crossings. School vehicles must also have working speed limiters under existing rules.
- Hours: the Rules regulate the hours school vehicles may operate. A 2024 government directive restricted school vehicles carrying children to between 6am and 7pm; check the current position with the school.
Ministry of Education guidance
The Ministry’s Safety Standards Manual for Schools in Kenya covers transport. It expects schools to keep vehicle records, appoint a teacher to accompany learners on trips, and only use roadworthy vehicles. Recent circulars also restrict school trips, especially at night.
Questions to ask a school or provider
- Can I see the vehicle’s inspection certificate and insurance?
- Is there a speed limiter, and is it working?
- Who is the driver, and how long have they driven for the school?
- Is there an adult attendant for young children?
- What is the route and pick-up time, and how will I be told about delays?
- How many children does the vehicle carry, and does each have a seat?
Boda bodas
Many children in rural and peri-urban areas use motorcycles. Insist on a helmet and reflective gear that fit, and a rider you know. The 2026 Rules include a section on protective gear for schoolchildren carried on motorcycles.
Teaching children road safety
- Wait for the vehicle in a safe place, away from the road edge.
- Never cross in front of a bus until the driver signals.
- Stay seated with the seat belt on.
- Report reckless driving to a teacher or parent.
A simple checklist for the first week
Ride along or watch the pick-up on the first day. Note the number plate, the driver’s phone number and the attendant’s name. Agree a code word your child uses if someone new collects them. Check how the vehicle looks after a few weeks, since worn tyres and broken seats are early warning signs.
Reporting a problem
Report a dangerous school vehicle to the school head, the board of management or NTSA. You can also contact the National Police Service traffic department.
Finding transport
Our transport and boarding directory is free for providers to join. Listings are checked before they appear, and the directory is starting empty, so only genuine providers are shown. Always do your own checks before you sign up.
Day school planning
If you are choosing a day senior school, factor transport time and cost into the decision. See day vs boarding.
Sources
- Traffic (School Transport) Rules, 2026 (Legal Notice 11 of 2026), Kenya Law
- Capital FM: NTSA on stop-arm and telematics timelines
- Ministry of Roads and Transport: inter-ministerial statement on road safety (2024)
- Traffic Act (Cap 403), section 105B and school-zone speed limit
- Ministry of Education, Safety Standards Manual for Schools in Kenya
This is general information, not legal advice. Check current NTSA rules.