In a statement issued on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, NTSA said all motor vehicle inspection centres nationwide will remain open and fully operational to accommodate motorists before learners return to school.
The directive targets both private and public service vehicles, with special focus on school transport, matatus, buses, and commercial vehicles expected to experience increased activity during the new academic term.
According to NTSA, previous compliance checks revealed widespread safety defects that pose serious risks to passengers, particularly children.
Among the most common problems were faulty or non-functioning speed limiters, worn-out or defective brakes, missing or damaged seat belts, unstable seats, and malfunctioning door locks.
The authority warned that vehicles found to be unroadworthy will not be allowed on the roads and may attract penalties under existing traffic laws.
“Motorists must ensure their vehicles are well maintained, roadworthy, and fully compliant with all licensing requirements,” NTSA said.
The agency reminded drivers to ensure they have valid insurance cover, road service licences, inspection certificates, and functional safety equipment before using their vehicles on public roads.
NTSA also issued a stern warning to vendors and installers of speed limiters, directing them to ensure that all devices sold meet the authority’s technical standards.
The authority warned that vehicles found to be unroadworthy will not be allowed on the roads and may attract penalties under existing traffic laws.
“Motorists must ensure their vehicles are well maintained, roadworthy, and fully compliant with all licensing requirements,” NTSA said.
The agency reminded drivers to ensure they have valid insurance cover, road service licences, inspection certificates, and functional safety equipment before using their vehicles on public roads.
NTSA also issued a stern warning to vendors and installers of speed limiters, directing them to ensure that all devices sold meet the authority’s technical standards.
These include proper speed control, accurate data storage, and real-time transmission of information to NTSA systems.
The authority stressed that speed limiter manipulation or installation of substandard devices will attract tough enforcement measures.
In its message, NTSA emphasised that road safety during the school reopening period is a shared responsibility.
“Private motorists, public transport operators, school administrators, and parents or guardians all play a critical role in protecting children during this busy season,” the statement read.
Parents and guardians were specifically urged not to allow their children to board vehicles that do not meet safety standards.
“To further protect our children, we strongly appeal to parents and guardians to avoid non-compliant vehicles, regardless of convenience,” NTSA said.
Motorists were also advised to strictly observe traffic rules and exercise caution, especially during early morning and evening hours.
The authority stressed that speed limiter manipulation or installation of substandard devices will attract tough enforcement measures.
In its message, NTSA emphasised that road safety during the school reopening period is a shared responsibility.
“Private motorists, public transport operators, school administrators, and parents or guardians all play a critical role in protecting children during this busy season,” the statement read.
Parents and guardians were specifically urged not to allow their children to board vehicles that do not meet safety standards.
“To further protect our children, we strongly appeal to parents and guardians to avoid non-compliant vehicles, regardless of convenience,” NTSA said.
Motorists were also advised to strictly observe traffic rules and exercise caution, especially during early morning and evening hours.
NTSA warned against unnecessary night travel, noting that several parts of the country are currently experiencing rainfall, reduced visibility, and slippery roads.
The authority said it will continue working closely with the National Police Service and other law enforcement agencies to enhance road surveillance and enforce compliance.
Multi-agency operations, including roadblocks and spot checks, which were intensified during the festive season, will continue well into the new school term, NTSA confirmed.
The directive comes as millions of learners prepare to return to school in less than two weeks, marking the start of the first term of the 2026 academic year. The reopening will end the long December holiday that has lasted close to two months.
Learners in pre-primary, primary, junior secondary, senior secondary schools, as well as universities and other tertiary institutions, are expected to resume classes, ushering in a busy academic period that runs into the next four months.
According to the Ministry of Education’s academic calendar, most learning institutions are scheduled to reopen before January 10, 2026.
NTSA said the inspection exercise and heightened enforcement are aimed at preventing road crashes, reducing fatalities, and ensuring that learners travel safely to and from school.
The authority reiterated that compliance with road safety regulations is not optional, urging motorists to act early to avoid last-minute rushes and enforcement action.
The authority said it will continue working closely with the National Police Service and other law enforcement agencies to enhance road surveillance and enforce compliance.
Multi-agency operations, including roadblocks and spot checks, which were intensified during the festive season, will continue well into the new school term, NTSA confirmed.
The directive comes as millions of learners prepare to return to school in less than two weeks, marking the start of the first term of the 2026 academic year. The reopening will end the long December holiday that has lasted close to two months.
Learners in pre-primary, primary, junior secondary, senior secondary schools, as well as universities and other tertiary institutions, are expected to resume classes, ushering in a busy academic period that runs into the next four months.
According to the Ministry of Education’s academic calendar, most learning institutions are scheduled to reopen before January 10, 2026.
NTSA said the inspection exercise and heightened enforcement are aimed at preventing road crashes, reducing fatalities, and ensuring that learners travel safely to and from school.
The authority reiterated that compliance with road safety regulations is not optional, urging motorists to act early to avoid last-minute rushes and enforcement action.
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