With road accidents increasingly occurring at night and in the early morning hours, traffic police have intensified operations targeting motorists travelling after dark, as authorities move to curb drunk driving and other high-risk behaviour on major highways.
On Friday night, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), working with a multi-agency team, conducted a crackdown along the Kisii–Narok Road as part of festive-season road safety enforcement.
The operation, led by NTSA South Nyanza Regional Manager Adan Addow, saw officers mount a major checkpoint at Kegati Bridge along the Kisii–Keroka Road, focusing on drivers flouting traffic laws.
At least 15 motorists were arrested during the exercise for various offences, including driving under the influence of alcohol and operating vehicles in breach of NTSA regulations.
Authorities said offenders were issued with instant fines, while others were subjected to further legal action depending on the severity of the violations.
The operation disrupted several night journeys, prompting some passengers to express frustration, with many blaming bus and matatu operators for failing to comply with traffic laws and exposing travellers to delays.
One commuter, Isaac Bisiria, said he was travelling to Nairobi for work when his vehicle was stopped at the checkpoint, leaving passengers stranded for more than an hour.
“I am not sure whether it is the passengers or the driver who is in trouble, but I am supposed to be in Nairobi by morning,” Bisiria said, noting that impounded vehicles left travellers inconvenienced.
Defending the crackdown, Addow said the authority was enforcing provisions of the Traffic Act and the NTSA Act to protect lives, especially during the busy Christmas travel period.
“This is the festive season when many people are on the road visiting their families, and our duty is to ensure they travel safely and in compliance with the law,” he said, urging both drivers and passengers to remain vigilant.
Similar enforcement operations were carried out in other regions, including Embu County, where several intoxicated drivers were arrested. Boda boda riders were also detained for riding without licences and insurance, while others were cited for using blinding lights and modified exhaust systems.