Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir has announced that the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and the police will reintroduce alcoblow checkpoints on major roads nationwide starting this week. This move is aimed at curbing the rising number of road accidents in the country, which have been attributed in part to drivers under the influence of alcohol.
In a statement released on Sunday, April 6, 2025, Chirchir revealed that anyone caught driving under the influence of alcohol will face a fine of up to Ksh 100,000 or imprisonment. Additionally, those convicted of drunk driving will be disqualified from obtaining a driving license for a period of one year. This is part of a broader effort by the government to strengthen the enforcement of traffic laws and improve road safety.
Chirchir explained that the laws which had previously been overturned by the courts have now been amended by the National Assembly. These amendments grant NTSA the mandate to crack down on drunk driving more effectively. The amendments to the Traffic Act, specifically the introduction of the Traffic (Drink-Driving) Rules, 2025, now empower the authorities to impose stricter penalties on those found guilty of driving under the influence.
Under these new regulations, any individual caught driving or attempting to drive a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs beyond the prescribed limits will be guilty of an offense. The penalty for such an offense could include a fine of up to Ksh 100,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both. The intention is to deter individuals from engaging in the dangerous practice of driving while impaired, which contributes significantly to road accidents.
In addition to the crackdown on drunk driving, the government is also focusing on regulating the operation of commercial vehicles. Specifically, NTSA will enforce rules concerning vehicles with a tare weight exceeding 3,480 kg, which include many heavy commercial trucks. These vehicles will be subject to stricter inspections to ensure they meet safety standards, thereby reducing the risk of accidents caused by overloaded or poorly maintained vehicles.
Another key focus of the government’s transport policy is the regulation and management of school vehicles. Chirchir emphasized the importance of ensuring that school buses and other vehicles used for transporting children are safe and properly managed. This initiative includes a framework for the operation of these vehicles, ensuring that they meet the required safety standards and are inspected regularly.
The government is also addressing the inspection process for private vehicles. While NTSA will continue to oversee the inspection of public service vehicles, school transportation, and commercial vehicles, the inspection of private motor vehicles will now be carried out by private inspection centers. This change is expected to improve the efficiency of vehicle inspections, allowing the authorities to focus more on commercial and public service vehicles, which are often involved in serious accidents.
These measures are part of a broader effort to improve road safety in Kenya and reduce the number of fatalities and injuries caused by accidents. With the return of alcoblow checkpoints and the tightening of regulations for commercial vehicles, school buses, and private vehicles, the government hopes to address some of the key causes of road accidents. By enforcing stricter laws and ensuring that vehicles on the road are in good condition, the government aims to create a safer driving environment for all road users.
The announcement of these new regulations is expected to be welcomed by many who have been advocating for stronger measures to combat drunk driving and improve road safety in the country. However, it will require effective implementation and public awareness to ensure that the new rules have the desired impact on road safety across the nation.
