Schools warned against transporting students outside legal hours during Meru music festivals
The restricted hours were introduced following a spate of deadly accidents involving school buses and were intended to enhance road safety for students.
Schools transporting students to Meru for the ongoing 97th Kenya National Music Festivals must ensure buses are known as transit only during the authorised hours between 6:00 am and 6:00 pm.
The restricted hours were introduced following a spate of deadly accidents involving school buses and were intended to enhance road safety for students.
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To enforce the rule during the festivals, the Ministry of Education on Wednesday directed its field officers to crack down on schools defying the Regulations with Basic Education PS Julius Bitok noting that the Ministry was aware that some school buses were operating beyond the Traffic (Amendment) Act 2017 provisions.
"I am instructing all regional, county and sub-county directors of education to ensure full compliance. Any school or individual found violating this directive will face the full force of the law," the PS said during the festivals in Meru.
He directed that the directive be enforced without exceptions.
"This is not just about the Music Festivals. It is the law, and it applies everywhere. This is a reminder lest people forget. The Ministry will not compromise the learners' safety under any circumstances," he added.
Funds meant for accommodation and transport for participants at the festivals will be released immediately following consultations with the Sports Fund CEO, he confirmed.
At the same time, the Ministry is considering introducing an international platform for top performances beyond the State Gala.
"Why should Nationals or the State Gala be the peak? We are preparing a proposal to be presented to the President during the Gala, for Kenya's best to represent us globally. This will be part of his legacy in arts and culture," Bitok said.
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