Davis Chirchir, the Transport Cabinet Secretary, has announced that the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and police will install breathalyzers on important roadways throughout the country.
The program will begin this week to assist reduce the country’s escalating rate of road accidents.
In a statement issued on Sunday, April 6, CS stated that any driver caught driving under the influence of alcohol above the authorized limit will face a fine of up to Ksh100,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both.
Furthermore, any person who is convicted of drinking and driving will be barred from acquiring a license for one year.
According to the CS, the National Assembly revised the legislation that had been overturned by the courts, allowing the NTSA authority to enforce drunk driving.
The NTSA will set up checkpoints in accordance with the Traffic (Drink-Driving) Rules, 2025, which were established by amending Section 4 of the Traffic Act, CAP 403.
Chirchir stated that he has already signed and filed the new regulations for re-gazettement, which will be published this week. Implementation will begin immediately.
“Any person who, when driving or attempting to drive or in charge of a motor vehicle on a road or other public place, is under the influence of an alcoholic drink or a drug beyond the prescribed limits shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine of up to Ksh 100,000 (one hundred thousand) or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to both,” reads part of the new law.
Furthermore, the CS states that the NTSA will regulate commercial vehicle management operations on public roads in the country with a tare weight greater than 3,480 kg.
Chirchir added that the government will establish a clear framework for the regulation, management, and operation of school cars as well as kid transportation.
According to the CS, the NTSA would also oversee the inspection of private motor vehicles by private inspection stations.In addition, oversee the inspection of public service cars, school transportation, commercial vehicles, and driving school motor vehicles.
The new regulations are known as Traffic (Drink-Driving) Rules 2025, Traffic (Motor Vehicle Inspection) Rules 2025, Operation Commercial Service Vehicles Rules 2025, and Traffic (School Transport) Rules 2025. The CS paid a visit to the victims of a road accident on Saturday, April 5, on the Kaplong-Kapkatet route, which killed 15 people.
“Once again, to the affected families, my profound condolences for the loss of your loved ones,” he said.
“We did not have to get here. We will implement these regulations and take stern action to safeguard lives,” he added.
Following the sad tragedy, the National Police Service declared that it had initiated an inquiry to discover the precise reason for the disaster.
According to NPS, preliminary investigations found that the accident was caused by a head-on collision between a public service vehicle and a truck.The organization also asked motorists to use great caution to prevent similar accidents from occurring again.
