Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced a comprehensive set of initiatives aimed at curbing the escalating instances of accidents involving school vehicles.
During a speech on Thursday, April 4th, Murkomen highlighted that the Ministry of Transport intends to introduce new regulations governing the management of school transport, to be officially published in the gazette.
Among these new measures is the mandatory installation of vehicular telematics in all school vehicles. Vehicular telematics is an advanced technology that enables vehicle owners to enhance management practices, improve operational efficiency, monitor fleets, and preemptively address downtime issues.
This technology operates through the utilization of a telematics device, often referred to as a black box, in conjunction with fleet management software to facilitate data collection for informed decision-making.
According to Murkomen, significant progress has been made in identifying the most suitable telematics systems for school vehicles. He emphasized the importance of accountability among schools in managing their drivers, vehicles, and maintenance procedures.
“We are committed to ensuring transparency in how schools oversee their transportation operations. Together with the Education Cabinet Secretary, we will be issuing directives mandating the installation of vehicular telematics in all school buses. We are optimistic that this technology will be accessible and affordable for educational institutions,” Murkomen affirmed.
The implementation of this new system will empower school administrations to monitor driver behavior in real-time and intervene promptly if any risks to student safety are identified.
Furthermore, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) will undertake the digitization of motor vehicle records and drivers’ histories. This initiative aims to bolster digital enforcement capabilities and improve regulatory oversight, thereby enhancing road safety standards across the transport sector.
These reforms come in response to a series of tragic road accidents involving school buses, including a recent incident where a Kenyatta University bus collided with a trailer, resulting in loss of life.
