Senators seek to annul NTSA rules on school buses, inspections
National
By
Edwin Nyarangi
| Jul 01, 2026
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has come under scrutiny for proceeding with the implementation of controversial transport regulations after securing approval from the National Assembly but before obtaining the Senate’s approval.
The disputed laws are the Traffic (School Transport) Rules, 2026 (Legal Notice No. 11 of 2026), the Traffic (Motor Vehicle Inspection) Rules, 2026 (Legal Notice No. 13 of 2026) and the National Transport and Safety Authority (Operation of Commercial Vehicles) Regulations, 2026 (Legal Notice No. 14 of 2026).
Senate Delegated Legislation Committee Vice Chairperson Danson Mungatana urged senators to reject the School Transport Rules, saying Regulation 13, which requires school buses to have reflectorised signals and standard mechanical signal arms, was impractical.
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“When we asked NTSA how they intended to implement this, they said all school buses must be fitted with mechanical signal arms to guide motorists whenever children are crossing,” said Mungatana.
He also opposed the Motor Vehicle Inspection Rules, arguing they would compel owners of private vehicles to undergo annual inspections even when their vehicles were not involved in accidents. Mungatana accused NTSA of overstepping its delegated authority by introducing regulations that would burden motorists.
Rent-seeking opportunities
He further argued that NTSA had no mandate to enact oppressive laws, saying only Parliament has legislative authority.
The Tana River senator also faulted a requirement for all school buses to install telematics systems by July 1, 2026, saying the timeline was unrealistic and could create rent-seeking opportunities. Schools, he argued, would be forced to incur additional licensing costs despite existing Ministry of Education regulations governing school transport.
Mungatana also questioned the public participation process, saying consultations conducted in 2024 failed to meet legal requirements.
Makueni Senator Daniel Maanzo supported the committee’s position, saying NTSA was unlawfully seeking powers to appoint private inspectors.
Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina warned the regulations would encourage corruption, claiming motorists would be forced to buy approved telematics devices from selected suppliers