Kenya to Launch Nationwide Crackdown on Road Safety Violations

NAIROBI — The Kenyan government is set to enforce a comprehensive nationwide crackdown targeting unroadworthy vehicles and irresponsible drivers, as announced by Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary, Prof. Kithure Kindiki. This decision aims to address the escalating incidents of road carnage that have resulted in significant loss of life across the country.

According to Kenya News Agency, the operation, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Transport, along with the National Transport Safety Authority (NTSA), will encompass all categories of vehicles, including tuk-tuks and motorcycles. A forthcoming meeting between these entities is expected to establish a set of nationwide law enforcement strategies to combat this urgent issue effectively.

The Cabinet Secretary expressed alarm over the surge in road fatalities, citing over 1,000 deaths since January as a call to urgent action. He highlighted recent tragic incidents where 16 lives were lost in a single day, underscoring the severity of the road safety crisis facing the nation.

The campaign against road carnage will focus on various fronts, including combating drunk driving and ensuring all vehicles on the road are in good working condition. Prof. Kindiki emphasized the collective responsibility of all road users to adhere strictly to traffic regulations to mitigate these preventable losses.

Furthermore, the CS shed light on the broader social impact of road accidents, noting that many families are forced into financial ruin due to medical and funeral expenses. He compared the annual road accident fatalities to losses from other disasters, including the Covid-19 pandemic, to illustrate the gravity of the road safety situation.

During the official opening of new Deputy County Commissioner’s offices in Ojola, Kisumu West Sub-County, Prof. Kindiki called on traffic police and other involved government officers to maintain high vigilance during the crackdown. He stressed the importance of tackling corruption within the traffic enforcement system, which contributes significantly to the prevalence of road accidents.

In addition to addressing road safety, Prof. Kindiki reiterated the government’s commitment to eradicating narcotics, illicit brews, and psychotic drugs, labeling it a national security issue. He warned of the long-term consequences of drug abuse on the country’s workforce and future security personnel.

The establishment of the new office block and the creation of Holo Division within the Sub-County are part of the government’s efforts to improve service delivery and bring government services closer to the local population. The Cabinet Secretary commended the local community for their role in maintaining peace and announced plans to further enhance local administration with the posting of an Assistant County Commissioner to the new division.