The National Transport and Safety Authority has announced a nationwide free motor vehicle inspection exercise targeting school transport vehicles, set to take place on Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 9 am to 3 pm.

The move comes just days before schools reopen, and is part of a wider safety campaign aimed at protecting learners on the road.

Dubbed Operation Watoto Wafike Salama, the campaign will be conducted at various designated NTSA inspection centres across the country.

It is intended to help schools and vehicle owners identify any safety risks in their buses and vans and guide them on the steps needed to fix those issues.

The safety checks will be carried out in multiple counties, including Nairobi (Likoni Road), Mombasa, Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Nyahururu, Machakos, Voi, Kitale, Kakamega, Nyeri, Thika, Kisumu, Embu, Meru, Kericho, and Garissa. However, in Kisii County, the inspection will be done a day earlier, on Friday, August 22, to allow easier access for local institutions.

According to NTSA, the inspections will cover key safety features such as braking systems, tires, lights, seatbelts, and overall mechanical condition.

“We will make a safety assessment to guide motor vehicle owners and schools on corrective measures to take in order to ensure the safety of all our children,” said the Authority.

The agency explained that the aim is to ensure that only roadworthy vehicles are used to transport children.

Vehicle owners and school heads will be given advice on the repairs or adjustments needed for their vehicles to meet safety standards.

NTSA has urged all schools and service providers to make use of the free inspection opportunity, stating that compliance not only promotes safety on the road but also increases parents’ trust in school transport systems.

Operation Watoto Wafike Salama is part of NTSA’s broader strategy to prevent road accidents involving school transport and create a culture of road safety nationwide.

The initiative mirrors previous exercises conducted for public service vehicles, which have helped improve road compliance in that sector.

By offering these services for free, the Authority hopes to remove the financial burden that might prevent some schools from conducting proper checks, especially as learners prepare to return for the new term.