Ndia MP George Kariuki has called for sweeping reforms in traffic law enforcement, warning that Kenya cannot continue losing lives on its roads due to sheer negligence, corruption and weak penalties.
Speaking to the media in his constituency, Kariuki, who also chairs the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure, said implementation of firm and consistent action against all traffic offenders was long overdue.
The MP argued that leniency by enforcement agencies has fueled lawlessness and emboldened reckless behaviour on Kenyan roads.
“Safety is a shared responsibility. We cannot only blame the Inspector General of Police, but let drivers, police officers, regulatory bodies and all other stakeholders take full responsibility,” he said.
Kariuki questioned why unroadworthy vehicles continue to operate freely, noting that mechanical defects significantly contribute to road accidents, adding that such failures point to serious gaps within inspection and enforcement systems.
The MP proposed full digitization of traffic fines, saying the current manual system was outdated and highly vulnerable to abuse. He emphasized that embracing technology would help in curbing corruption, while at the same time improving accountability.
“In developed countries, systems work. Cameras monitor roads, fines are automated and offenders are punished without negotiation. Kenya must adopt similar systems if it was serious about saving lives,” he said.
The MP further criticized the existing traffic penalties, describing them as being too lenient to deter other potential offenders.
He called for tougher punishments for violations, arguing that harsher penalties would discourage reckless driving and restore discipline on our roads.
“We cannot continue to lose lives every day, as a country, simply because people have refused to follow the laid down traffic rules,” added Kariuki.
The MP urged the National Police Service to take a more proactive approach to traffic enforcement measures, rather than just waiting to react after accidents occur.
At the same time, he challenged the oversight and support institutions to confront corruption head on, saying bribery had undermined enforcement efforts and worsened road carnage.
Kariuki stressed that respect for the rule of law was critical for national development, warning that Kenya cannot build a strong and orderly society if the existing laws are routinely ignored.
The legislator called on the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and the National Police Service to take full responsibility in enforcing traffic laws and implementing other reforms, aimed at protecting lives.
“This is about saving lives. All traffic offenders must be punished, and the relevant institutions must do their work,” he emphasized.
By David Wandeto
