NAIROBI, Kenya — Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has directed police officers to intensify traffic enforcement and impound unroadworthy vehicles and motorcycles as Kenya prepares for increased road travel during the festive season.
Kanja ordered officers to step up operations against drunk driving, dangerous driving, speeding and overloading, warning that increased traffic and commercial activity towards the end of the year could heighten risks for motorists, passengers and other road users.
“As we move into the final weeks of the year, we anticipate increased road traffic and heightened commercial activities; we expect you to curtail drunkenness and dangerous driving, speeding, overloading and unroadworthy motor vehicles and motorcycles,” Kanja directed.
He issued the directive on Saturday, November 7, during a joint prayer and thanksgiving service for officers serving in the uniformed disciplined services and their families at the Holy Family Minor Basilica in Nairobi.
The police chief called for coordinated enforcement through a multi-agency framework, saying cooperation among security agencies would strengthen efforts to address traffic violations and emerging security challenges.
He also urged officers to ensure motorists, pedestrians and other road users observe safety precautions, while remaining alert and adequately prepared to respond to security concerns.
“Motorists, pedestrians and all road users must take due care while using our roads. I urge the officers to remain alert, adequately prepared and responsive to emerging security concerns,” he added.
Beyond traffic enforcement, Kanja directed police commanders to strengthen security arrangements around family gatherings and other festive season activities, citing the anticipated increase in public movement and social events.
The directive comes as the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) steps up road safety operations along major transit routes ahead of the holiday travel period.
About two weeks ago, the authority announced day-and-night enforcement operations under its Msimu Bila Ajali, Usalama Barabarani campaign, targeting motorists involved in speeding, drunk driving and vehicle overloading.
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NTSA said the operations would place particular emphasis on evening and late-night patrols, when the risk of road crashes is heightened.
Enforcement teams are also deploying real-time speed monitoring equipment and inspecting vehicle speed limiters to establish whether they are functioning properly and transmitting data to the Intelligent Road Safety Management System.
The authority has further announced compliance checks targeting public service vehicles and long-distance transport operators.
The inspections cover drivers’ licences, PSV badges, passenger manifests, route permits, inspection stickers and compliance with passenger and cargo weight limits.
The intensified measures come as thousands of Kenyans are expected to travel across the country for Christmas and New Year celebrations, putting additional pressure on major highways and public transport services.
