As the festive season begins, police have launched a massive operation on major highways to ensure the safety of travelers. The initiative also aims to significantly reduce the number of road accidents across the country.
Along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway, the operation to check vehicles for traffic rule compliance was established at various checkpoints, stretching from Kamandura in Limuru Sub-County up to Nakuru County.
The enforcement exercise, conducted by Traffic Police in partnership with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), primarily targeted Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) and commercial vehicles.
In an apparent effort to evade apprehension, numerous motorists diverted to alternative routes to bypass the roadblocks.
”Once the police inspect your car, they will always find something they say is wrong. Who wants to be arrested during the festive season?” wondered Simon Kiarie, a taxi driver.
Gerald Kimani, a matatu driver who requested his Sacco not be named, suggested that the Traffic Police and NTSA should focus more on continuous road safety campaigns to enlighten motorists.
”Even if I am not the spokesperson for my Sacco, there needs to be a continuous road safety campaign involving all road users—drivers, pedestrians, and all Kenyans. We need to be reminded about PSV regulations, the Transport Licensing Board (TLB) requirements, and other essential issues,” Kimani said.
The operation also resulted in frustration for travelers covering short distances, as many PSVs halted their services.
”We were traveling from Nyambari to Rukuma and ended up walking about 10 kilometers because no PSV was passing through Kwa Mathore, where a roadblock was erected,” recounted Nancy Wanja.
Another traveler, Joram Wachira, said boda boda (motorcycle taxi) operators took advantage of the situation, charging exorbitant fares for traversing interior, rough roads.
”For distances where one typically pays KSh 100, the motorcyclists were charging KSh 500, and many people paid because there was no other option,” Wachira stated.
Traffic police officers in Lari, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to their rank, confirmed that arrested motorists were released on cash bail and ordered to appear in court on Monday.
Lari Sub-County Police Commander, Emily Ngaruiya, issued a warning to all highway users, urging them to ensure their vehicles are in roadworthy condition.
Ngaruiya stressed that the operations are not intended to punish travelers but to guarantee their safety on the roads at all times.
She also called upon the public to report any misconduct by PSV vehicles to help ensure the safety of all travelers.
”The operation will be in place throughout the season. We shall have traffic officers on our roads at all times to ensure there is no traffic congestion and that only roadworthy vehicles are operating,” she concluded.
