The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has revived Alcoblow breathalyser tests, night patrols and mobile courts in a nationwide crackdown aimed at curbing the spike in road accidents during the festive season. The intensified enforcement, done jointly with the National Police Traffic Department, seeks to reduce the number of fatal crashes typically recorded between Christmas and New Year.
Traffic Commandant Frederick Ochieng said this year’s operation will be tougher than previous ones, with a major focus on night patrols when most deadly accidents occur. Speed guns, Alcoblow checks and rapid penalties through mobile courts will be central to the operation.
“When you are arrested, you are convicted and sentenced immediately,” Ochieng said, noting that mobile courts will be stationed along major highways for swift action.
In a first-of-its-kind anti-graft effort, the public will be allowed to record and report bribery by traffic officers via a toll-free number that will be displayed on highways and notice boards.
Road safety advocates have also urged closer monitoring of long-distance trucks and boda bodas, which continue to contribute heavily to fatal crashes. The Road Safety Association of Kenya says lack of proper inspection, fatigue and reckless driving among some operators remain a major concern.
The crackdown follows alarming figures showing 3,890 people have died on Kenyan roads as of October 85 more than the same period last year. NTSA Director of Road Safety Andrew Kiplagat urged motorists and pedestrians to take personal responsibility, noting that vehicle condition, speed and sobriety remain key risk factors.
NTSA is also inspecting PSV speed limiters for free and strengthening the Intelligent Road Safety Management System (IRSMS), which tracks speed, braking and route discipline. Drivers flagged for risky behaviour will undergo retraining before returning to the road.
In Mombasa, County Commissioner Mohammed Nur said joint patrols will help ease congestion and improve emergency response. Police will also monitor parks, estates and beaches where unsupervised youth gatherings have previously led to crime, drug use and child exploitation.
Authorities say the measures aim to enhance safety, reduce fatalities and ensure smoother travel during one of the busiest travel periods in the country.
 has revived Alcoblow breathalyser tests, night patrols and mobile courts in a nationwide crackdown aimed at curbing the spike in road accidents during the festive season. The intensified enforcement, done jointly with the National Police Traffic Department, seeks to reduce the number of fatal crashes typically recorded between Christmas and New Year.){kind=link}