Rwanda National Police (RNP) has urged public transporters, head teachers and parents to coordinate with police to ensure the safety of students as they start returning back to school on Friday.

According to the Ministry of Education, the academic year 2018 for primary and high school students kicks off on Monday next week but students will start heading to school on Friday 19.

Departures have been organised in accordance with the regions where schools are located.

Speaking about Police’s preparations to oversee students’ return to school, the spokesperson for traffic and road safety, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Emmanuel Kabanda said;

"Transportation of students should and will be done in a smooth manner with no interruptions or setbacks. Transporters should observe road safety standards like avoiding over-speeding, as drivers try to make more money due to the many passengers.

He said that as an institution charged with public safety, RNP is mandated to ensure that students travel back to school safely as well as ensure other commuters proceed with their business with no major interruptions.

"Some drivers have a tendency of over speeding so as to make many rounds; this is completely unacceptable. Police officers will be on alert to ensure drivers observe road safety standards,” said Kabanda, further urged them to ensure that their vehicles are in proper mechanical conditions.

He added that transport companies have to make sure their drivers don’t work longer hours since they would risk getting into accidents due to fatigue.

He also reminded drivers to desist from overloading and trying to exploit the peak season to take passengers beyond the licensed number.

"Public transport vehicles are advised to try not mix students with other passengers where possible and give special attention to the former,” Kabanda advised.

The police notice follows an announcement issued by the Ministry of Education detailing how students will be departing for school.

The statement indicated that students will be departing in phases and should be dressed in full school uniform.

Officiaks from Rwanda Interlink Transport Company Limited (RITCO Ltd), a Public-Private-owned transporter say everything is in place to ensure students arrive at their respective schools safely and in good time.

"We reach the remotest areas of the country and we are well prepared and will ensure we prioritize students during this season,” said RITCO Managing Director Julius Rukundo.

According to the Ministry of Education all students should be at their respective schools by January 21 while classes are expected to resume on January 22.