NTSA warns motorists against drunk driving ahead of Easter festivities
Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir said the ministry will reintroduce breathalysers, also known as alcoblow, as part of the efforts to curb drunk driving.
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has cautioned motorists against drunk driving during the Easter season, warning that a countrywide crackdown on traffic offenders is underway.
NTSA non-executive Chairman Khatib Mwashetani has urged drivers to exercise caution and responsibility, particularly during the festive period.
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“We want to ask Kenyans to be very vigilant. For those who know that they are drunk, let us not drive or drink while drinking,” he said.
Mwashetani also reminded motorists of the legal requirement to install speed governors in public service vehicles, warning that enforcement teams will be on high alert.
“For those who know that their vehicles do not have speed governors, you should ensure that your vehicles are fitted. The team we have here will go round in a crackdown targeting every vehicle parked alongside the road causing traffic jams, or anyone who drives while drinking. They will find themselves not in a good situation,” he warned.
The chairman further urged Kenyans to strictly observe traffic rules, adding, “Let us be vigilant. Let us adhere to the law. If you are driving, then drive as a person who is sober.”
“We wish all Kenyans a Happy Easter and a Good Friday.”
Road safety measures
Recently, the government announced plans to tighten road safety measures in response to the rising number of road crashes.
Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir said the ministry will reintroduce breathalysers, also known as alcoblow, as part of the efforts to curb drunk driving, which he described as a major contributor to fatal crashes.
He noted that the government will deploy at least 1,000 breathalysers across the country to ensure that motorists who drive under the influence of alcohol are apprehended and prosecuted.
“We are currently facing a serious problem of indiscipline on our roads, and to ensure discipline and sanity, we seek to reintroduce breathalysers so that we can curb cases of accidents that are caused by human error,” he said.
Breathalysers were outlawed last year after the Court of Appeal declared them illegal, but the government is now moving to regularise their use through fresh regulations.
Chirchir further revealed that the Ministry of Transport, in collaboration with the NTSA, will soon gazette new laws targeting motor vehicle inspection, commercial service vehicles, and general traffic behaviour to address road indiscipline.
He also cautioned passengers against boarding overloaded vehicles, pointing out that the ill-fated vehicle in the Sotik crash had more than 20 people on board.
“Let us also ensure we are disciplined as Kenyans because safety is with you. The habit where we board vehicles that are already crowded — in this, we will ensure that casualties during accidents are minimised,” he said.
The death toll from the Sotik accident rose to 15 after two more victims succumbed to their injuries while undergoing treatment
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