He says many motorists were now more observant of the law to avoid the heavy penalties prescribed under the new law.
“When people realised things were serious, things changed. That was the turning point and we have seen a decline in those committing traffic offences. This is attributed to people following the law,” he told Capital FM News.
“Our officers are very busy ensuring passengers, matatu owners, drivers, conductors and even corrupt traffic officers adhere to the traffic regulations,” he added.
More than 240, 000 traffic offenders have been charged in courts across the country, and paid fines to the tune of about Sh500 million since the Traffic Act 2012 was made effective in December last year.
Kimaru confirmed that since the implementation of the Traffic Act, the country has registered substantial progress in dealing with traffic criminals flouting the new rules on roads.
“Since December 2, we have arrested more than 240,000 traffic offenders and arraigned them in various courts in the country,” he said.
The traffic commandant urged matatu drivers to desist from giving bribes when they commit offences and also noted that they have put strong disciplinary actions against those who bribe.
“If we arrest two or more drivers, this will make them stop. Also cases of police receiving bribes have reduced. We have put on serious disciplinary measures to punish any officers who defile the law,” he revealed.
Kimaru warned the drivers to avoid “listening to music and talking stories while driving. They should concentrate on that important task of driving more so in his rainy season when roads are slippery.”
904 people have died this year, among them 395 pedestrians and 79 drivers and 272 passengers.
Kimaru also urged the public to report traffic offences saying that, “they write on papers instead of coming to record statements with us.