As schools prepare to open for the second term on Monday next week, over 300 school drivers from Kiambu County have received free road safety awareness training as well as a medical checkup from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).
The drivers from Thika, Juja, Ruiru, Gatundu North, and Gatundu South had their buses undergo inspection, and those found to be faulty were directed to have them in order before Monday.
The drivers underwent eyesight, blood sugar levels, and blood pressure tests while the vehicles were inspected for compliance on safety belts, insurance covers, wheel balancing, and speed governors, among others.
The clinic, dubbed Usalama Barabarani Medical Camp, was held at the Thika Technical Training Centre and brought together different learning institutions, driving schools, and other stakeholders.
NTSA Central Regional Manager Kendi Mutuma said the move is aimed at enhancing road safety among school-going children and other road users as well as reducing fatal road acciden
ts being witnessed in the country this rainy season.
On the medical checkups, Kendi said most drivers suffer from some ailments unknowingly and the camp helps them understand their health better so that they can improve and ensure they get to the road when fit.
During the vehicle inspection, she said, it was noted that some drivers had tampered with speed governors and safety belts. She added that some overload learners, making it risky in instances of accidents.
‘We have noted several faults on our school buses which need to be corrected before schools reopen on Monday. We have also taken our drivers through medical checkups to improve their fitness on the roads because some suffer from poor eyesight, blood pressure, and sugar levels unknowingly,’ Kendi said, adding that the exercise will continue in several parts of the region to enhance the safety of learners on the road.
Drivers who attended the clinic were upbeat that it had improved their skills on the road.
Julius Mburu and Lukas Kamande, some of
the drivers, lauded the move, saying it will end accidents among school buses in the region.
They called on the NTSA to make the training a regular exercise to effectively enhance road safety in the region.
Source: Kenya News Agency