As Kenyans prepare for the Christmas and New Year festivities, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has stepped up its efforts to ensure road safety. With a significant number of families traveling upcountry, the authority is tightening compliance checks on major highways to curb road accidents and ensure the safety of all road users.
On Monday, several vehicles were impounded, and over 30 drivers arrested as part of the NTSA’s crackdown on traffic violations. The operation saw the establishment of roadblocks at strategic locations, including Iguhu along the Kakamega-Kisumu highway, Keroka in Nyamira county, Lodiani in Kericho county, Naivasha in Nakuru county, and along the Nyahururu-Olkaluou road. Other notable check points were set up at Blue J along the Mombasa-Ukunda Highway, Garissa-Mwingi road, and Ahero in Kisumu county.
Among the violations discovered, speeding was the most prevalent. The NTSA reported that 31 motorists were arrested for speeding along the Dongo Kundu bypass in Kwale county. These arrests serve as a stark reminder that despite frequent warnings, many motorists continue to disregard road safety rules.
In a significant move, the authority also impounded 11 unroadworthy vehicles along the Garissa-Mwingi road. Such vehicles, deemed unsafe for the road, often become a major source of accidents during peak travel seasons. The impounding of these vehicles highlights the NTSA’s efforts to prevent unsafe vehicles from transporting passengers during this busy period.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who issued a prior warning to motorists ahead of the festive season, has also been vocal about the need to prioritize road safety. He emphasized the importance of cracking down on illegal and unlicensed public service vehicles (PSVs), warning that such vehicles do not meet the required safety standards and should not be allowed to carry passengers.
“To ensure the safety of all road users during the festive season, there shall be heightened action against illegal and unlicensed PSVs,” Mudavadi stated, adding that PSVs that do not meet the required standards should be grounded. His remarks underscored the urgency of protecting the lives of those traveling for the holidays.
Along with the crackdown on unlicensed vehicles, NTSA also took action against PSVs found tampering with speed limiters, a common violation that allows vehicles to exceed safe speeds. Such tampering poses a serious danger to passengers and other road users. The authority warned that any PSV caught with a tampered speed limiter would face severe penalties.
In addition to enforcing traffic laws, the NTSA urged motorists to take proactive steps in ensuring their safety and the safety of others. Motorists were advised to promptly remove stalled vehicles from the roads and place proper warning signs to prevent accidents. The NTSA emphasized that it is everyone’s responsibility to adhere to the rules and be considerate on the road.
Speeding remains one of the most dangerous behaviors on Kenyan roads. The NTSA continues to remind motorists that speeding can lead to devastating consequences, including fatal accidents. In light of this, the authority has urged drivers to respect the speed limits set on various roads and avoid rushing to their destinations.
The festive season is traditionally marked by increased travel across the country, with many families heading to the village for reunions. However, the rise in traffic volume also increases the likelihood of road accidents. In response, the NTSA has intensified its operations with a focus on high-risk routes, where traffic violations tend to occur more frequently.
As the holiday season continues, the NTSA’s vigilance on the roads is crucial in preventing unnecessary accidents and ensuring that the festivities remain joyful for all. The authority’s heightened efforts serve as a reminder that road safety is a collective responsibility that requires the active participation of all motorists. “Ni jukumu letu sote” (It’s our collective responsibility), as the NTSA aptly puts it. It is clear that ensuring safety on Kenyan roads is more important than ever during this busy period, and adherence to traffic rules is essential for a safe and festive season.
