The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has launched a major crackdown on highways and roads across Kenya, in line with the government’s directive issued in December to address road carnage.
A spot check by Kenyans.co.ke revealed that safety officers, in partnership with traffic officers from the National Police Service (NPS), have strategically positioned themselves to ensure drivers comply with all safety requirements.
This operation has been prompted by the need to reduce the number of road accidents, which have risen significantly, particularly during the festive season, leading to many fatalities and injuries and leaving numerous families in distress.
On Monday, December 6, the officers were captured on the busy Karatina – Nairobi Road to ensure road safety compliance. Drivers found without the necessary documents and requirements have been flagged down.
NTSA safety compliance checks at Kariene, Meru/Nkubu Road on March 31, 2024.
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NTSA
According to the NTSA, one of the reasons for conducting compliance checks is to ensure the safety of learners as they return to school following the December holidays.
“As the festive season ends and the new academic school calendar begins, the Authority urges all road users to prioritise the safety of our children as they travel back to school. This is a collective responsibility and requires every effort,” the NTSA shared.
“To avoid any inconveniences and to ensure their safety, children must not board non-compliant vehicles,” the Authority added, noting that the checks are in line with government directives.
Officers have also been spotted in Siaya County, ensuring compliance on the Kisumu-Busia Road to protect the public from the dangers of reckless driving and associated risks.
Other areas where safety officers have been deployed include Embu County near the Sewage area, Kiambu around Lari, Tharaka Nithi near Mitheru, Kisii along the Kisii-Rongo Road, and Laikipia.
Officials are focusing on several key issues, including vehicle details, the condition of vehicles, adherence to speed limits, and the credentials of drivers and conductors.
NTSA embarked on the exercise following directives issued on December 19, by Prime Cabinet Secretary(PCS) Musalia Mudavadi, who was then doubling the acting Interior CS, where the police and NTSA were directed to increase patrols on major highways to curb cases of reckless driving habits and practices.
The PCS directed all police commanders to deploy additional officers to enforce vehicle inspections for all PSVs and flag those operating without valid licences.
“I directed increased police presence and patrols along major highways, day and night, to monitor and enhance compliance. The patrols will serve to discourage reckless driving and speed violations,” Mudavadi stated.
The two institutions were also instructed to strictly enforce speed limits across all highways to curb speeding by reckless drivers, who continue to cause death and suffering for Kenyans.
Statistics from the Ministry of Interior reveal a troubling rise in road traffic incidents, with fatalities increasing to 4,282 as of November last year, up from 3,901 in 2023. Additionally, serious injuries have risen to 10,662, compared to 9,501 recorded in 2023.
Pedestrians and motorcyclists remain the most vulnerable groups. Pedestrian fatalities have risen to 3,917 from 3,427 in 2023, while motorcyclist deaths have increased to 4,042 from 3,714.
NTSA officials removing number plates from a vehicle during an enforcement exercise in April 2024.
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NTSA