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State to install telematics technology in school buses to curb accidents

Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen during the unveiling the Kodris Model School Coding Programme at a thanksgiving ceremony at OLC Mugoiri Girls High School in Muranga County on April 4,2024. Photo: X/kipmurkomen

By Lucy Mumbi | 05 Apr 2024

Telematics technology monitors various aspects of vehicle operation, including speed, location, maintenance needs, and driver behaviour. This real-time monitoring will help identify unsafe driving practices and potential risks, such as driver fatigue.

The government in collaboration with key stakeholders like the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and Safaricom, is working on updating transport regulations to improve safety in the school transport sector.

Speaking on Thursday at Our Lady Consolata Mugoiri Girls High School in Muranga County, Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the move is in response to growing concerns over school bus accidents.

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He said the updated regulations will include installing digital devices, such as telematics, in school buses.

Telematics technology monitors various aspects of vehicle operation, including speed, location, maintenance needs, and driver behaviour. This real-time monitoring will help identify unsafe driving practices and potential risks, such as driver fatigue.

“We will begin by installing advanced telematics systems in school buses. This telematics will have the capability to monitor drivers continuously, whether they are travelling from Mombasa to Malaba or any other route. Operators in the control room will have access to live footage of the driver on a computer screen. Additionally, the system will detect signs of driver fatigue, prompting operators to advise the driver to pull over safely,” he said.

Murkomen said a team has been formed to supervise the regulatory process, which is currently in its final stages of establishing the standards.

“We are soon going to publish school transport regulations that will outline the management of students and school transport. We expect schools to uphold accountability in managing their drivers, vehicles, and maintenance procedures,” he said.

“After finalising these standards, the Education CS and I will issue directives mandating all schools to install the specified telematics systems in their buses.”

He added that the technology they plan to implement will be cost-effective, making it affordable for schools to adopt.

NTSA Director General George Njao said plans are underway to initiate a nationwide public participation process beginning April 15, 2024. The process he said, aims to gather input and feedback from various stakeholders, including transport operators, parents, regulatory bodies, and the general public.

Other key issues identified for revision within the regulatory framework for school transport operators include the conduct of crew members in buses ferrying school children, standardization of vehicle colours, presence of minders for students during transportation, and specification for times of operation.