NTSA orders speed cap for motorists near Kenyan schools

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has ordered all drivers across the country to maintain a maximum speed limit of 30 kilometres per hour when travelling through designated school zones.

This directive applies nationwide across urban and rural transport corridors. The transport regulator issued the directive through a statement published on social media platform X, framing the speed restriction as a mandatory safety requirement intended to protect students on their daily journeys.

The regulatory body explained that the reduced speed threshold expands the margin of safety by extending driver reaction window and shortening vehicle stopping distance. Lower velocity reduces both the probability of a collision and the severity of impact when an incident occurs.

School environments present distinct traffic risks because young learners often display unpredictable pedestrian movement. Learners frequently cross roads unexpectedly, move in groups, or gather near transport stops during morning and evening commuting hours.

The speed threshold represents a significant reduction from standard urban road limits, placing direct legal responsibility on individual motorists to decelerate when approaching educational facilities regardless of immediate traffic conditions.

The authority also noted that lowering vehicle velocity gives motorists crucial reaction time to spot young pedestrians early, make necessary adjustments, and bring their vehicles to a complete stop safely.

By enforcing a uniform limit, the safety body aims to standardise driver behaviour around educational infrastructure across all counties. Motorists are expected to observe the marked limits continuously to ensure child safety on public roads.