Motorists arrested, vehicles impounded as NTSA intensifies traffic crackdown

In an operation along the Dongo Kundu Bypass in Kwale County, 19 motorists were arrested and charged for violating various traffic regulations. Offences included failure to wear seatbelts, speeding beyond stipulated limits, operating unroadworthy vehicles, contravening insurance regulations, and using illegal PSVs.

Several PSV and commercial vehicles transporting miraa were impounded in Kirinyaga for being unroadworthy.

According to NTSA data, the country has recorded an increase in serious injury due to road traffic accidents rising by about 11% since 2023. There has however been a decrease in fatalities among drivers, passengers, pillion passengers, and motorcyclists by 5.85%, 10%, 9%, and 10.05% respectively.

To safeguard lives during the festive period, the government has increased police presence and patrols along major highways, both day and night to monitor and enforce compliance with traffic laws.

“The enhanced patrols will serve to discourage reckless driving, and speed violations, and to prevent unlicensed and overloaded PSVs from operating,” said the Interior Ministry in a statement.

Security agencies have also been directed to ensure strict enforcement of vehicle roadworthiness regulations, including ensuring that all PSVs have valid road service licenses either for long-distance or commuter routes.

Authorities have also been instructed to take “heightened action against illegal and unlicensed PSVs to prevent them from operating as passenger transport vehicles.”

“Such vehicles should not be allowed to carry passengers, as they do not meet the required standards for passenger safety as stipulated in the NTSA (Operation of PSV) Regulations of 2014,” added the Ministry.