The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), on Tuesday, June 13, launched a crackdown on motor vehicles violating Traffic Laws and Regulations in a multi-agency operation with the National Police Service (NPS).
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, National Traffic Commandant, Mary Omari, confirmed that the operation targeted areas along Thika Road and all sub-counties within Nairobi.
She added that the operation kicked off in the wee hours of the morning - with officers mounting roadblocks along strategic points. In particular, motorists were asked to provide official documents for scrutiny and authentication.
"Yes, it is a joint operation between National Police Service and NTSA. We aim to ensure compliance and prevent the occurrence of accidents."
"We're targeting all sub-counties within Nairobi, not only Thika Road. Hence we have dispatched officers all over Nairobi," she stated.
Omari noted that the crackdown would continue to ensure adherence to traffic laws in the coming weeks.
On Tuesday morning, June 13, motorists plying Thika Road lamented being caught in traffic for hours. They warned others to avoid the route after suspecting the police had launched a crackdown.
"Thika Road blocked at Safari Park Hotel by police. They are primarily targeting Public Service Vehicles (PSVs)," one motorist complained.
"Must police create such havoc on a working day? A roadblock on Thika Road right outside Safari Park," another comment read.
"An operation at Safari Park on your way to Thika causing the traffic jam at Homeland. Matatus taking alternative routes via Roasters."
"What is happening in Thika Road? Matatu going to Githurai, Thika is turning at Garden City," read some of the comments online on Ma3Route (an online platform that keeps motorists up-to-date with the traffic situation in the country).
Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen on April 19, 2023, ordered NTSA to ensure that private and public service vehicles comply with the Law by regularly conducting operations to ensure adherence.
In response, NTSA pointed out that all vehicles that failed to adhere to the Law would be issued a prohibition order, booked, and presented for compliance inspection at the Authority's centre.
NTSA also conducted Safety Clinic exercises to raise awareness of road safety to ensure that travellers' lives, including school-going children, were safe.
"The clinic is a multi-agency initiative and is free of charge," NTSA stated while assuring motorists that exercise would not consume much time.
"All public service vehicles and commercial vehicles (tare weight of 3049Kgs and above) must operate with functional speed limiters," the Authority added.
