NAIROBI, Kenya — The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has rolled out a nationwide enforcement crackdown ahead of the Easter holidays, targeting reckless driving and unroadworthy vehicles in a bid to curb road accidents during the high-travel period.
NTSA Director General Nashon Kondiwa said Thursday the operation, beginning Friday, April 3, will be conducted in collaboration with the National Police Service across major highways and urban centres.
“Fellow motorists, as we commemorate this Easter season, I urge every driver and passenger to prioritise safety on our roads,” Kondiwa said, announcing intensified enforcement efforts aimed at reducing fatalities.
He added that the agency, working jointly with police, has scaled up operations nationwide to address the spike in accidents typically recorded during festive periods marked by increased travel.
As part of the crackdown, NTSA will deploy speed cameras and establish sobriety checkpoints at strategic locations, while traffic officers will be stationed along key routes to monitor compliance and respond to violations in real time.
Kondiwa urged motorists to observe speed limits, avoid driving under the influence of alcohol, and take adequate rest during long-distance journeys.
The directive also extends to vehicle condition, with the NTSA warning that defective vehicles will be removed from the road immediately. Cars found with faulty brakes, worn-out tyres, or poor lighting systems will be impounded on the spot.
“For those whose vehicles break down, ensure you park safely off the road and place warning triangles at a sufficient distance. Finally, unroadworthy vehicles, those with defective brakes, worn-out tyres, or faulty lighting, will be impounded immediately,” Kondiwa said.
The Easter period, which runs for four days, is historically associated with a surge in road usage as Kenyans travel to rural homes and holiday destinations. Data from previous years has shown a corresponding rise in road accidents, prompting authorities to heighten enforcement and public awareness campaigns.
The crackdown is anchored in the mandate of the NTSA under the Traffic Act and related road safety regulations, which empower the agency and police to enforce compliance, conduct inspections, and penalise offenders. The joint operations reflect a broader policy push to strengthen road safety enforcement and reduce fatalities in line with national transport safety goals.
With traffic volumes expected to peak over the holiday weekend, authorities are urging all road users to exercise caution, warning that compliance will be strictly enforced throughout the period.
The NTSA said the operation ultimately seeks to safeguard lives and ensure safer roads for all Kenyans during one of the busiest travel seasons in the calendar.
