NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 29 — The National Police Service (NPS) has announced stringent road safety measures in response to the anticipated surge in traffic during the upcoming Easter holiday and school closures.
NPS Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said in a statement on Saturday that, to enhance road safety, the police, in collaboration with stakeholders, have launched extensive operations to enforce compliance with traffic regulations.
These measures include increased roadblocks and checks to ensure motorists adhere to safety regulations.
“We have put in place an extensive operational plan to conduct thorough enforcement checks and ensure road safety compliance on all roads,” Nyaga said.
“While the NPS has implemented these measures to ensure road safety, it is important to acknowledge that road safety is a shared responsibility.”
He called on all drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, boda boda riders, and passengers to comply with traffic rules and regulations for their safety and that of others.
The Police Spokesperson attributed human error as a major contributor to road accidents, citing factors such as speeding, reckless overtaking, drunk driving, overloading, driver fatigue, and careless pedestrian behavior as the most prevalent causes.
He urged school heads and drivers to take responsibility for the safety of their students as they travel during the holiday.
“With the Easter holiday fast approaching and schools set to close, we anticipate increased movement on our roads. It is the responsibility of school administrations to ensure students travel home safely, and PSV drivers must exercise extreme caution while ferrying students,” Nyaga stated.
He warned that any PSV operators found handling students recklessly risk having their licenses revoked.
Additionally, the NPS cautioned road users about hazardous driving conditions caused by heavy rains in various parts of the country.
Nyaga also called on PSV owners and boda boda associations to work closely with law enforcement in promoting discipline among drivers and conductors, improving customer service, and implementing safety protocols.
Moreover, the police have raised concerns over a rising trend in pickpocketing incidents within public transport vehicles, mainly attributed to unauthorized and part-time conductors and drivers.
Nyaga urged transport stakeholders to take decisive action to curb this menace.
The NPS reiterated its commitment to public safety and urged members of the public to remain vigilant, report any suspicious activities, and cooperate with law enforcement officers.
“As a service, we remain steadfast in our commitment to serve and protect,” Nyaga assured.
