Road safety compliance checks are currently being conducted on highways countrywide by the National Transport and Safety Authority to improve safety on the roads as students begin returning to school for the delayed term-2 reopening on Monday.
In a joint effort, the police and road safety authority seized multiple vehicles on different roads as part of their initiative to enforce strict adherence to road safety regulations. Random sobriety tests were also conducted as part of the checks on drivers for drunk driving.
A notice shared on social media dubbed “Pamoja Tuhakikishe Watoto Wetu Wamefika Shuleni Salama” highlighted the importance of adhering to speed limits, practicing lane discipline, and the prevention of driving while under the influence.
The operation, which commenced over the weekend, is scheduled to last until the end of next week, with both agencies collaborating closely to carry out the operation.
In a statement, Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen emphasized the importance of road safety for all road users, stating that compliance with traffic rules, including speed limits, is crucial.
He also underscored the need for school transport operators to adhere to these rules like all public service vehicles.
President William Ruto also ordered the traffic police and the NTSA to collaborate in order to improve road safety.
He admitted that there had been a longstanding disconnect and rivalry between the two agencies when it came to the enforcement of traffic regulations, attributing it as a major factor in the lack of success in achieving the desired outcomes.
During the unveiling of the National Road Safety Action Plan 2024-28 in April, President Ruto instructed the Inspector General of Police and the director general of NTSA to promptly implement the collaboration.
He also stressed the importance of the public and other road users actively participating in promoting road safety.
The agency conducted checkpoints on Thika Road at Jomoko, Witethie, Juja, Ruiru, and Roysambu, during which they impounded a school bus for having a faulty speed limiter and seat belts. Additionally, vehicles with expired road service licenses were also seized.
The goal of the National Road Safety Action Plan 2024-28 is to reduce the number of accidents by 50 percent.
By Hellen Lunalo
