21 School Buses Banned in Kilimanjaro Region Over Safety Violations
Moshi. Police in Kilimanjaro Region have prohibited 21 school buses from transporting students after safety inspections revealed critical defects and mechanical failures.
The enforcement action followed comprehensive inspections conducted across all districts in the region between January 9 and January 12, 2026.
Kilimanjaro Regional Police Commander Simon Maigwa announced that the inspections were designed to protect students by ensuring all school vehicles meet mandatory safety standards and are mechanically sound.
The safety checks examined critical vehicle systems including steering mechanisms, tyres, body condition, engines, braking systems, seat belts, and seating arrangements.
"A total of 201 school vehicles underwent inspection. While 180 vehicles passed and were deemed roadworthy, 21 exhibited various mechanical defects and have been prohibited from operation," Maigwa stated.
Owners and drivers of the defective vehicles must complete all necessary repairs and present their vehicles for re-inspection before receiving authorization to resume operations.
Maigwa confirmed that Traffic Police continue conducting routine vehicle inspections using the Motor Vehicle Inspection Management Information System (MIMIS), alongside electronic issuance of road safety stickers.
The inspection program encompasses private vehicles, commercial vehicles, and two- and three-wheeled motorcycles.
Between October 13, 2025 and January 13, 2026, authorities inspected 17,241 vehicles region-wide, including 9,266 private vehicles, 7,619 commercial vehicles, and 2,000 motorcycles.
Police authorities have urged vehicle owners to maintain compliance with legal requirements and ensure their vehicles remain roadworthy to protect all road users, particularly children dependent on school transportation.
Moshi residents praised the police initiative, emphasizing its importance for student safety.
Rose John highlighted the critical nature of regular inspections to prevent unroadworthy vehicles from transporting students and causing preventable accidents.
"Vehicle inspections are essential. Police should conduct them frequently to control defective vehicles transporting students. Morning roadside checks are also needed to monitor passenger capacity, as some vehicles operate while overloaded," she said.
Resident Enos Manja endorsed the regular inspection of school vehicles as an appropriate safety measure for protecting children.
"This is a timely intervention that protects children’s safety. Inspections should be continuous throughout the year, not just during school opening periods, to ensure all student transport vehicles remain safe," he said.
