In a decisive move to combat a disturbing surge in road accidents, Inspector General of the National Police Service (NPS), Douglas Kanja, has ordered an immediate nationwide crackdown on traffic violations.
The directive, issued on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, comes after an alarming 31 fatalities were recorded in the first six days of the new year.
NPS Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga described the situation as “unacceptably alarming” and a “crisis demanding immediate, collective, and decisive action.”
The crackdown mandates stringent, continuous, and highly visible enforcement operations targeting all drivers across the country.
Regional, County, and Sub-County Traffic Police Commanders have been instructed to intensify efforts against speeding, drunk driving, unroadworthy vehicles, and non-compliant public service vehicles (PSVs).
Breathalyzer tests will be stepped up, with courts on standby to handle offenders swiftly.
Preliminary analysis indicates that the majority of these accidents are attributable to preventable human errors, including reckless driving, speeding, driver fatigue, and driving under the influence.
Persistent violations by boda boda riders, such as riding against traffic and using pedestrian walkways, were also highlighted as significant contributors.
The NPS will collaborate with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and other stakeholders, enhancing targeted operations at known accident blackspots using data from crash-mapping systems.
The police service has urged all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and passengers, to comply with traffic rules, especially as students return to schools and colleges.
PSV owners and boda boda associations are also called upon to self-regulate, install speed governors, manage driver fatigue, and ensure regular vehicle maintenance.
This intensified enforcement aims to reverse the tragic trend and enhance road safety for all Kenyans.
