The vehicle, a white van with registration number KDG 056B, was seen driving at high speeds with students hanging precariously.
The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has released a statement that pointed to behind-the-scenes surrounding the students who were filmed riding in a matatu being driven dangerously to an unknown destination.
The vehicle, a white van with registration number KDG 056B, was seen driving at high speeds with students hanging precariously. It led to widespread condemnation from Kenyans towards the driver for putting innocent lives at risk.
In a statement sent to Viral Tea, the Authority expressed concern with regard to the 34-second partly-mashed-up clip, citing the risks posed by alcohol and drug use as students travel back to school for the Third Term.
NACADA stated that “Private and public vehicles can be hotspots for alcohol and drug use and distribution, especially during this period,” which teases the likelihood that the students onboard were being driven under the influence.
National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse CEO Anthony Omerikwa during the NACADA strategic plan launch 2023-2027 on June 19, 2024. /PHOTO
NACADA noted that it is aware of students’ pressures and risks, both within and outside the school environments, and their ability to trigger substance use.Â
“It is our collective responsibility to protect our children from the dangers posed by alcohol and drug use.
“We urge parents, guardians, school authorities, and all of us to remain vigilant. Parents should also monitor their children’s travel arrangements and ensure they know the potential dangers during transit,” the statement read in part.
The authority encouraged schools to empower students through education and open communication about the risks associated with alcohol and drug use.
Schools were also tasked with implementing and strengthening preventive measures through awareness campaigns, peer support groups, and counselling services.
“No one should allow students to board public or private vehicles if they display signs of being under the influence of substances, because they not only endanger themselves but also pose significant risks to other road users,” NACADA urged.
“Equally, the public is encouraged to report intoxicated drivers and other transport operators to the relevant authorities. Finally, any other drug and substance use-related incidents should be reported through our Free number 1192 which is available for 24 hours.”
On May 27, NACADA announced a nationwide crackdown on bars and alcohol dispensing locations near educational facilities, including schools, explaining that it was aimed at enforcing regulations regarding the placement of bars and other alcohol dispensing outlets in proximity to educational institutions or areas catering to individuals below the age of 18.
On Monday, May 20, NACADA announced that it would go after all billboards promoting alcoholic drinks and alcohol use, erected near learning institutions in Kenya, taking note of the increased promotion of alcoholic drinks and alcohol use through billboards erected near learning institutions across the country.
The video showed the driver operating the vehicle dangerously, with school girls seen hanging out while dressed in school uniforms, and others dangling their legs outside the window. The driver in turn was spotted engaging in a conversation with passengers, one of whom is also dangerously hanging out of the moving vehicle.
Initial investigations from NTSA revealed that the vehicle is registered as a commercial matatu, with its inspection due to expire on April 17, 2025. However, it was not affiliated with any known SACCO, with a further probe revealing that the vehicle is operated by AD Genius Limited under a road service license (RSL).
The NTSA and the National Police Service (NPS) launched a search for the vehicle owner, with both the driver and the passenger wanted for violating traffic laws. At the time of publishing, neither had issued an official statement on their arrest.
