Education Ministry to Revise School Bus Design Following Surge in Accidents
During a parliamentary session on Wednesday, Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu drew attention to the dangerous nature of current school bus designs, highlighting their association with an increasing number of accidents.
Machogu revealed that the vehicles currently serving as school buses on the roads were not originally designed for such purposes. He explained, “We take the chassis of a lorry and then say you want to buy a bus. The effect of this is that when an accident occurs, chances of it killing the students are high.” Expanding on the issue, the CS emphasized the importance of designing school buses with comfort in mind and clarified that they should not be repurposed from vehicles used for transporting luggage.
The Education Cabinet Secretary disclosed an ongoing plan within the Ministry of Transport to introduce a distinct bus design, different from lorries. However, he expressed frustration, citing an ongoing court case that hindered the implementation of the plan. “The ministry was stopped from implementing that, and I am aware that some of the school buses, including those which are being used here, are not anywhere near the standards required. This is a conversation we should have as a country,” he added.
Seeking support from stakeholders in the education sector, the CS urged collaboration to prevent student casualties in road accidents. He also appealed to the court for the expeditious handling of the case. Nominated MP Kosgei Jackson Kipkemoi had initially raised concerns, asserting that the ministry endangered students’ lives by permitting these buses on the roads. Kipkemoi highlighted global standards emphasizing the need for bus frames to withstand various loads and impacts, particularly crucial for the safety of vulnerable passengers like children.
Tragically, on Sunday, three pupils lost their lives in a Kiharu, Murang’a County accident involving a school bus carrying 43 people. This incident adds to a series of fatal accidents involving school buses, including a March 2023 accident around Kayole in Naivasha, where a Pwani University bus led to over 14 fatalities.
As of February 20, data from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) reported 649 lives lost in road accidents. The urgent need for action to address school bus safety concerns remains paramount.
