Fredrick Ochieng Named New Traffic Commandant

NAIROBI, Kenya—The National Police Service (NPS) on Thursday announced Fredrick Ochieng’s appointment as the new Traffic Commandant.

The changes, part of a mini-reshuffle overseen by Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat, saw Ochieng swap roles with outgoing commandant Mary Omari, who will now be stationed at the National Counter Terrorism Centre.

Ochieng’s appointment comes at a critical juncture, with road accident fatalities reaching alarming levels.

According to the latest figures from the NPS, 3,369 people have died in road accidents between January and mid-September this year—a rise from 3,151 deaths during the same period in 2023.

The fatalities include 1,281 pedestrians, 802 motorcyclists, 654 passengers, 284 drivers, and 56 cyclists, highlighting the widespread impact of traffic incidents on various road users.

Additionally, nearly 17,000 people have been injured in road crashes over the past nine months, adding further strain to hospitals and families struggling with the emotional and financial toll.

During a recent meeting with traffic enforcement officers, Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli expressed concern over the surge in accidents and underscored the need for stricter adherence to traffic regulations.

He pointed to corruption as a significant factor exacerbating the problem.

“We have observed a distressing increase in road traffic accidents nationwide,” Masengeli said. “Corruption is a major contributor to this menace, and it’s time we take serious action to address it.”

The reshuffle also affected five provincial traffic heads, including the Nairobi post, where Vitalis Otieno retired and was replaced by Paul Chirchir.

Other key changes were made in the Rift Valley, Eastern, and Central regions, with officials characterizing the moves as part of routine operations designed to enhance road safety.

As part of his mandate, Ochieng is expected to spearhead initiatives aimed at curbing road fatalities and tackling corruption within the traffic unit.

Public cooperation is seen as crucial in reversing the trend, with Masengeli urging road users to comply with regulations to prevent further loss of life.

“If you’re a pedestrian and you know the place you’re crossing is illegal, please don’t do it for your safety,” he cautioned.

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) identified hit-and-runs, tyre bursts, and improper overtaking as some of the leading causes of fatal crashes.

The new leadership in the traffic department aims to tighten enforcement on these issues while addressing systemic corruption that has long plagued the unit.

With over 4,000 annual road deaths, Kenya is grappling with one of the highest accident rates in the region.