Kenya Introduces Strict New Measures to Combat Road Accidents
Government Announces Return of Alcohol Breathalyzer Checkpoints
Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Davis Chirchir, has unveiled a series of stringent measures to address the alarming increase in road accidents across the country. The announcement comes in response to growing concerns about road safety and follows a tragic accident that claimed 15 lives on April 5, 2025.
New Drunk Driving Regulations
Effective immediately, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), in partnership with the National Police Service, will establish alcohol breathalyzer checkpoints on major highways nationwide. This marks the return of the “Alcoblow” system following legal amendments to the Traffic Act.
Key provisions of the new regulations include:
- Hefty fines of up to Ksh 100,000 for offenders
- Potential imprisonment of up to two years
- Mandatory one-year driving license suspension
Expanded Road Safety Measures
The government is implementing additional traffic regulations covering various sectors:
1. Vehicle Inspection Standards
The Traffic (Motor Vehicle Inspection) Rules 2025 will govern inspections for both private and public service vehicles.
2. Commercial Vehicle Operations
New standards will regulate commercial vehicles weighing over 3,480 kg under the Operation of Commercial Service Vehicles Rules 2025.
3. School Transport Safety
The Traffic (School Transport) Rules 2025 establishes strict guidelines for school transportation to protect children.
Government’s Commitment to Road Safety
CS Chirchir emphasized the administration’s determination to reduce road fatalities: “We cannot continue to lose lives on our roads due to recklessness and negligence. These new measures are necessary, and we will enforce them firmly.”
The National Police Service has launched investigations into the recent Kaplong-Kapkatet road accident while urging all motorists to exercise caution and obey traffic rules.
These comprehensive reforms signal the government’s commitment to making Kenyan roads safer for all users through strict enforcement and modernized regulations.
Related: Road Accidents Have Killed 3,609 Kenyans Since January
This article summarizes an original report from Soko Directory. Full credit to the original source.