The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) in conjunction with Kenya Police on Sunday, March 31, commenced a nationwide crackdown on vehicles with strobe lights.
The use of strobe lights was banned in February 2024, by Deputy Inspector General Douglas Kirocho but it remained largely unimposed.
With Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen in March 2024, ordering NTSA to help Kenyan police return order on Kenyan roads, a crackdown on dissenting motorists was launched.
“In the implementation of the directive on the ban on the use of strobe lights, light bars, and sirens, several vehicles were nabbed at various checkpoints,” a statement from NTSA and Kenya Police read in part.
“To avoid any inconveniences, all motor vehicle owners are advised to remove modified or unauthorised lights on their vehicles.”
According to the new directive, the Head of State, his Deputy, the Chief Justice and Parliament Speakers are the only ones allowed to use sirens.
The Traffic Act Cap 403 also gives the privilege of using sirens and strobe lights to police vehicles, fire engines and ambulances.
The NTSA-led crackdown was conducted in various parts of the country including; Nairobi, Nyeri and Meru Counties.
Other areas where vehicles were nabbed for having strobe lights were in Kisii, Kiambu and Machakos counties.
Additionally, NTSA and police officers nabbed motorists who were overlapping or using the wrong side of roads and highways.
In Kiambu, NTSA officers arrested excess passengers in a matatu along Thika Road.
The nationwide crackdown also saw school buses and motorcycles clamped for flouting different traffic rules and regulations.
