Security agencies have been placed on high alert as police move to decisively tame rising cases of lawlessness on highways and other identified hotspots during the festive season.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat has warned motorists flouting traffic rules to brace for swift action, including instant justice through the deployment of mobile courts. He said police have mapped out notorious routes and areas where traffic violations and disorder are common, with additional officers already mobilised to reinforce enforcement.
“We have identified hotspots and we want to ensure the traffic chaos witnessed in the past does not recur. This time, we are doing things differently, including the use of mobile courts to deal firmly with offenders,” Lagat said.
Speaking after a high-level meeting with senior police commanders at the Ngong Traffic Base, Lagat noted that every regional commander had presented security plans tailored to their areas to ensure smooth travel and public safety throughout the holidays.
The Nairobi–Nakuru highway was singled out as a major concern, with hotspots including Lari, Kimende, Soko Mjinga, Salgaa and Timboroa. The Nairobi–Mombasa highway was also flagged for heightened enforcement due to frequent traffic violations.
Beyond highways, police have intensified patrols in tourist destinations, entertainment spots and areas expected to attract large crowds. Officers on leave have been recalled, while off-duty requests have been deferred to boost manpower on the ground.
Security operations have also expanded to tackle illicit brew, noise pollution, criminal gangs, and emerging insecurity threats, including tribal clashes in Angata Barrikoi, Narok. “We are profiling those behind these activities and will be taking action,” Lagat said.
To strengthen coordination, the National Multi-Agency Command Centre has been activated, bringing together multiple security agencies for intelligence sharing, surveillance and rapid response. Similar command centres are operational at regional and county levels.
The National Transport and Safety Authority, working with traffic police, has launched a nationwide traffic operation combining physical patrols and electronic monitoring to improve road safety.
Authorities have urged the public to cooperate with security officers, saying the enhanced measures are aimed at ensuring safe travel, orderly celebrations and the maintenance of law and order throughout the holiday period.