As Kenyans prepare to celebrate Christmas, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), the National Police Service (NPS) and the Judiciary have intensified a nationwide crackdown on major roads and towns to curb road carnage, which has so far claimed 4,458 lives.
NTSA Board Chairman Khatib Mwashetani said in Mombasa that the exercise aims to ensure strict compliance with traffic laws and regulations by drivers in a bid to reduce accidents during the festive season.
Mwashetani condemned the torching of a Mash Poa bus along the Nairobi–Nakuru highway at Salgaa by irate bodaboda riders after it was involved in an accident.
He noted that the public often reacts emotionally to accidents and advised long-distance bus operators to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy, regularly inspected and operated by two drivers.
“If you interrogate some of these cases, you will find that drivers may be exhausted. The same person drives to Nairobi and back to Mombasa, he won’t make it. These are some minor things that contribute to accidents,” said Mwashetani.
He revealed that NTSA is using alcoblow devices to curb drunk-driving, adding that any driver arrested for driving under the influence will be charged and fined, as relevant regulations are now in place. Drivers were urged to park their vehicles and hail taxis home after consuming alcohol.
Private vehicles ferrying passengers were advised to obtain temporary permits from NTSA to avoid being impounded.
“We will conduct joint crackdowns to ensure that vehicles carrying passengers are compliant,” Mwashetani said.
At the same time, drivers were advised to obey the law and ensure they have all the requisite documents, while pedestrians were urged to remain vigilant. Drivers found flouting traffic rules will face instant fines.
“These crackdowns will be conducted on a daily basis to ensure that by the time the holidays are over, motorists will have psychologically adjusted to maintaining a speed limit of 50 kilometres per hour in towns and the need for permits and compliance for passenger service vehicles,” said Mwashetani.
Passengers were urged to report vehicles that hike fares so that action can be taken against the responsible SACCOs.
Coast Regional Traffic Police Commander, George Kashmiri said authorities have put in place an elaborate traffic management plan for the festive season.
“We are well prepared and ready to ensure people follow the law. We now have speed guns and alcoblow devices. If you flout any law, you will face charges. We urge drivers to comply with traffic rules,” said Kashmiri.
He noted that the region has not recorded any major accidents in December, save for one incident at Man Eaters in Taita Taveta County that claimed two lives.
The Traffic Police Commander urged passengers to immediately report cases of fare hikes so that drivers and conductors involved can be arrested for exploiting passengers.
By Sadik Hassan
