The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has introduced the Traffic (School Transport) Rules, 2025, creating a comprehensive regulatory framework governing how school children are transported in Kenya.These rules apply to school buses, vans, private school transport providers, and independent operators, and they significantly raise safety, licensing, and compliance standards. Why NTSA Introduced the School Transport Rules The rules were developed to improve child safety, reduce accidents involving school vehicles, and standardize how school transport operates nationwide. They move school transport from loosely managed arrangements into a fully regulated transport category under the Traffic Act. Licensing Requirements for School Transport Providers Under the 2025 rules, anyone offering school transport services must hold: A School Transport Provider Licence (valid for one year) A School Vehicle Road Licence for each vehicle Operating a school vehicle without valid licensing is now a direct offence, and licenses may be suspended or revoked for non-compliance New Mandatory Standards for School Vehicles The regulations introduce some of the strictest vehicle requirements ever applied to school transport, including: Annual vehicle inspection Mandatory seat belts designed for children Yellow colour code (Pantone 012C) “SCHOOL BUS” markings and complaint phone number Fire extinguisher and first-aid kit Dual red flashing lights and stop signal arms Passenger-facing telematics systems with cameras approved by KEBS These changes increase demand for compliant buses, retrofitting, telematics, and inspection services. Rules for School Drivers and Vehicle Attendants Drivers must: Hold valid licences for the vehicle category Pass annual medical tests Pass criminal record checks Be free from convictions related to child abuse or drunk driving Elementary school vehicles must also carry a school vehicle attendant, responsible for assisting children, managing safety, and helping them cross the road safely Operating Rules Every School Must Know School vehicles: May only operate between 5:00 am and 10:00 pm Must stop fully when loading or offloading students Must use stop signal arms and flashing red lights Must ensure every student has a seat Must not carry unauthorized passengers Failure to stop when school bus red lights are flashing can result in license suspension of at least six months. Penalties for Non-Compliance Any person who violates these rules commits an offence and may face: A fine of up to KSh 20,000 Imprisonment up to six months Suspension of driver or operator licences NTSA also has powers to conduct random safety and compliance checks.