The government through the National Transport Safety Authority (NTSA) is set to enforce strict compliance of traffic rules ahead of the festive season.
In a press briefing released by Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo detailing the Multi-Agency Security Management Plan for Christmas and New Year Festive Season, the government directed NTSA to work hand in hand with the police to ensure that traffic rules and regulations are followed to the latter.
“The National Police Service in conjunction with the National Transport Safety Authority should enforce compliance of traffic rules by all private motorists and commercial passenger vehicles,” the statement read in part.
The directives come amidst the backdrop of increased traffic violations and accidents that occur within the festive season with the government heightening compliance efforts in a bid to curb it all.
The government directives are meant to address reckless drunk driving, overloaded vehicles, unlicensed public service vehicles, and other forms of indiscipline on Kenyan roads noting the need for heightened traffic control.
Further, the rise in the number of road accidents in Kenya this year necessitates a need for increased levels of caution and road regulation enforcement as the festive season approaches.
According to the government, between January and November 2024, Kenya recorded 20,369 road accidents, a sharp rise from 19,262 during the same period in 2023.
Fatalities increased to 4,047 from 3,726, while serious injuries surged to 10,124 compared to 9,059 last year.
PS Omollo also noted the increased number of home burglaries particularly noting a surge in car breaks in the villages where families have travelled upcountry.
The directives issued to NTSA follow recent orders by acting Interior Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi to conduct a nationwide crackdown on all matatus ensuring their roadworthiness and compliance with road regulations.
In the orders, Mudavadi directed the relevant authorities to ensure that all matatus have the name of the registered SACCO, company, or institution before ferrying passengers, Mudavadi also issued instructions to ensure that all vehicles have documents showing inspection status, operate from their licensed routes, and have a valid Road Service License.
In the same breadth, he revealed that the government had increased the number of traffic police officers to assist in traffic control and management. “We have deployed additional traffic officers on the roads to ensure free flow of traffic,” Omollo stated.
The government urged citizens to adhere to the law, remain vigilant, and cooperate with law enforcement officers during the festive season to ensure the safety of all Kenyans including women, children and persons living with disability.
