The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has announced plans for a nationwide crackdown on errant motorists ahead of the Easter festivities. This initiative, set to begin on April 16, 2025, aims to curb road accidents and enforce compliance with traffic regulations during the peak travel period. NTSA board chairperson Khatib Mwashetani addressed the media in Mombasa on Tuesday, emphasizing the authority’s commitment to ensuring safety on the roads.
In his statement, Mwashetani highlighted the major issues contributing to road accidents, particularly the dangers of drunk driving and the use of unroadworthy vehicles. He specifically warned motorists against driving under the influence, stressing that those caught in violation of this law would face severe penalties. “We want to urge all Kenyans, particularly those who consume alcohol, to refrain from drinking and driving. It is a matter of safety for all road users,” he said.
The crackdown will also focus on ensuring that vehicles are in good condition and meet safety standards, with special attention being given to the installation of speed governors. Mwashetani pointed out that many accidents are caused by excessive speeding, particularly during festive seasons when road traffic is high. He called on vehicle owners to ensure their vehicles are equipped with speed governors before the crackdown begins.
With the surge in travel expected to triple during the Easter period, the NTSA recognizes the importance of a coordinated effort to tackle the rising number of accidents. To facilitate this, a special task force will be deployed, consisting of NTSA teams from the Coast region, the Administration Police Service (APS), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Traffic Police, and County Enforcement Officers. This multi-sectoral approach is aimed at enhancing enforcement and reducing road carnage across the country.
The urgency of the crackdown is underscored by the rising number of accidents on major highways. Just days before the announcement, a tragic incident occurred along the Nakuru-Nairobi highway, where three people lost their lives in a head-on collision between a public service van and a lorry. Several passengers were injured and trapped in the wreckage, highlighting the severe consequences of road traffic incidents.
This latest accident follows a string of deadly crashes along the same route. Only two weeks earlier, another accident claimed the lives of 12 people on the same highway. Moreover, the Mombasa-Malindi Highway has also seen a spate of accidents in recent weeks. On March 8, 2025, a fatal crash at Kinungi Soweto resulted in one death and two injuries when a pickup truck collided with another truck along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway. This incident occurred just hours after another crash on the same route, which left 16 people injured.
In light of these incidents, the NTSA has made it clear that there will be no leniency for violators during the Easter period. The authority is focused on reducing the number of casualties, which traditionally spike during the holidays due to the high volume of traffic and the prevalence of reckless driving behaviors. Mwashetani urged drivers to be responsible, stay sober behind the wheel, and adhere strictly to all traffic regulations to prevent further tragedies on the roads.
The crackdown will also involve spot checks along various routes, with officers looking for vehicles that do not comply with safety standards or have faulty equipment. Public awareness campaigns will also be launched to encourage safer driving practices, and the NTSA has vowed to take decisive action against those who fail to comply with road safety laws.
As the Easter holidays approach, it is clear that the NTSA’s efforts to curb road accidents are crucial in protecting lives and reducing the devastating impact of traffic-related incidents. The authority’s message is clear: safety is a collective responsibility, and everyone must play their part to ensure safer roads during the festive season.
