Kenya is staring at a potential transport crisis during the festive season after the National Police Service (NPS) announced a sweeping nationwide crackdown that is expected to sideline thousands of rogue PSV drivers and vehicles deemed unroadworthy.
Police Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga on Thursday, December 11, revealed that traffic officers have been directed to intensify enforcement of traffic laws on all major highways, signaling a tougher stance that could significantly disrupt passenger transport during the busiest travel period of the year.
Nyaga said officers will be targeting rampant misconduct among motorists, including overspeeding, drunk driving, dangerous overtaking, and failure to comply with Public Service Vehicle (PSV) registration rules. “Strict lawful action will be taken against offenders found speeding, drunk driving, dangerous overtaking, and non-compliance with PSV registration,” he warned.
In addition to heightened patrols, the NPS has established multiple compliance checkpoints across the country to conduct thorough inspections on both private and commercial vehicles. This move is expected to weed out unroadworthy matatus and buses – a process that may leave many operators grounded and passengers stranded.
The police spokesperson urged motorists to observe speed limits, maintain their vehicles properly, and ensure all passengers wear safety belts. PSVs, he stressed, must adhere to stipulated carrying capacities and all other NTSA regulations, failure to which they risk immediate removal from service.
To reinforce compliance, the NPS will work closely with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) in joint operations aimed at tightening oversight over the PSV sector. “PSVs must strictly adhere to the stipulated carrying capacities and all other regulations,” Nyaga reiterated.
Beyond traffic enforcement, the police service has unveiled a comprehensive multi-agency security plan to safeguard Kenyans during the holidays. The strategy includes intensified patrols in urban areas, shopping centres, recreation venues, places of worship, and major transport hubs – areas expected to experience high human and vehicular traffic.
Nyaga acknowledged that the festive season traditionally comes with increased movement of people, goods, and vehicles, presenting security and traffic management challenges. To mitigate this, he said all police units, together with undercover teams and partner agencies, will be on high alert to prevent crime and maintain order.
However, with the stringent crackdown now underway, transport operators warn that a shortage of compliant PSVs could cause significant delays and overcrowding – turning the government’s safety measures into a double-edged sword for millions of holiday travelers.