NAIROBI, Kenya – The government has reinstated tough anti-drunk-driving measures, including the return of Alcoblow breathalyser tests, intensified night patrols and the revival of mobile courts, in a renewed push to curb the spike in road crashes during the December holidays.
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), working with the National Police Traffic Department, said the heightened enforcement is aimed at drunk drivers and other traffic offenders as millions of Kenyans take to the roads for Christmas and New Year travel.
Traffic Commandant Frederick Ochieng said this year’s operation will be “stronger and more coordinated” than previous festive seasons, with a specific emphasis on night patrols when most fatal accidents occur.
“Most traffic accidents happen at night, thus why we are shifting our focus to night vigils. We are going to use speed guns and Alcoblow,” Ochieng said, adding that mobile courts will be stationed along major highways to ensure offenders face immediate penalties.
“We intend to reintroduce mobile courts and make justice quick. When you are arrested, you are convicted and sentenced immediately,” he noted.
Public to Record Bribe-Seeking Officers
In a major anti-corruption effort, the police will introduce a toll-free number that allows members of the public to record and report officers soliciting bribes.
“You can record a traffic officer receiving a bribe and send it to that number, then we follow up,” Ochieng said, framing the initiative as the first of its kind in road enforcement.
Truck, Boda Boda Oversight Under Scrutiny
Road safety advocates urged stronger oversight of long-distance trucks and boda bodas, which continue to account for a significant share of fatalities.
“Every accident involves long-distance trucks. They are the ones causing huge numbers of deaths. And boda bodas… Lorries are not inspected. Something needs to be done,” said David Njoroge Kiarie, chairperson of the Road Safety Association of Kenya.
Road Deaths Rise to 3,890
The crackdown comes amid worrying statistics showing 3,890 people have died on Kenyan roads as of October—an increase of more than 85 deaths compared to the same period last year.
NTSA Director of Road Safety Andrew Kiplagat urged motorists to take personal responsibility.
“Road safety is a shared responsibility. Every stakeholder has a role to play—from ensuring vehicles are roadworthy to making sure drivers comply with the law,” he said.
Tech-Based Crackdown and Mandatory Re-Testing
NTSA Acting Director General Angela Wanjira announced that drivers arrested during the crackdown will undergo mandatory re-testing, citing a 2.6 per cent rise in crash victims this year.
The enforcement will leverage the Intelligent Road Safety Management System (IRSMS), which tracks vehicle speed, braking patterns, route discipline and reckless overtaking.
Drivers flagged for unsafe behaviour will undergo retraining before returning to the roads.
“We can identify risky behaviour early and ensure drivers undergo necessary retraining,” NTSA said.
PSVs, Matatus and Boda Bodas Under Watch
The Federation of Public Transport Sector said free speed-limiter checks will be offered to PSVs during the festive period as part of efforts to improve compliance.
Matatu Saccos also warned drivers to ensure vehicles are serviced, roadworthy and handled by sober, rested crews as December travel hits peak levels.
Boda boda operators have been urged to report suspicious, unlicensed riders.
Mombasa Tightens Security, Patrols
In Mombasa, County Commissioner Mohammed Nur said police and county traffic officers will conduct joint patrols to ease congestion and improve emergency response.
“We are telling drivers to be cautious because traffic volumes will be high,” Nur said, adding that police will also intensify night patrols in estates, parks and beachfronts to deter drug use, loitering and child exploitation—issues previously noted in Kisauni, Likoni, Nyali and parts of Mvita.
The nationwide crackdown will run throughout the festive season, with authorities expressing hope that the revived measures—combined with public cooperation—will reduce road deaths and ensure smoother holiday travel.
