Road safety has taken center stage at the start of the year after a worrying rise in traffic accidents was recorded across the country.
Within just six days of the new year, dozens of crashes had already been reported, forcing the National Police Service to take urgent action to prevent further loss of life and destruction of property.
Following this trend, Inspector General of the National Police Service Douglas Kanja issued a firm directive ordering an immediate nationwide crackdown on traffic violations. The order was issued on Wednesday and applies to all drivers without exception.
The police leadership said the rising number of accidents, injuries, and damaged property was a serious concern that could not be ignored any longer.
According to the National Police Service, the situation on the roads had reached an unacceptably alarming level. Police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga stated that the spike in accidents amounted to a crisis that required immediate, collective, and decisive action from both enforcement agencies and road users.
The police expressed regret over the lives already lost and warned that failure to act swiftly would only worsen the situation.
Initial reviews of the accidents showed that most of them were caused by preventable human errors. Reckless driving, speeding, fatigue, and driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances were listed as leading causes.
Boda boda riders were also mentioned for persistent violations such as riding against traffic, using walkways, and ignoring basic traffic rules.
These actions, police said, had put both riders and pedestrians at serious risk.
The Inspector General directed all Regional, County, and Sub-County Traffic Police Commanders to immediately put in place strict and continuous enforcement measures. Officers were instructed to maintain high visibility on roads while targeting all forms of traffic violations.
Special attention was placed on speeding, drunk driving, unroadworthy vehicles, and compliance by public service vehicles. Breathalyser tests were to be intensified, and courts were placed on standby to deal with offenders without delay.
The police also said enforcement efforts would focus on known accident blackspots across the country.
These operations would be guided by data collected through crash mapping systems. In addition, the National Police Service confirmed it would continue working closely with the National Transport and Safety Authority and other transport stakeholders under a multi-agency approach to improve safety on the roads.
Although police officers had remained on the roads throughout the festive season enforcing traffic laws, the sharp rise in fatalities at the start of the year triggered the tougher measures.
So far, 31 people have already lost their lives in accidents recorded in the new year, a figure the police described as deeply troubling.
The police appealed to all road users, including drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, boda boda riders, and passengers, to follow traffic rules and act responsibly. This appeal was especially important as pupils and students returned to schools and colleges after the holiday period, increasing movement on roads.
Public service vehicle owners, Saccos, and boda boda associations were also urged to take responsibility by enforcing self-regulation. The police called for proper installation and monitoring of speed governors, better management of driver fatigue through clear shift schedules, and regular vehicle maintenance.
Despite ongoing compliance checks by NTSA, accidents have continued, especially at night, even as some truck drivers called for an end to enforcement. The police maintained that safety must remain the priority for everyone on the road.
Add Comment