In a move to combat the rising number of road accidents nationwide, Transport Cabinet Secretary, Davis Chirchir, has announced that the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), in collaboration with the police, will begin deploying Breathalyzers on major roads across the country this week.
The Cabinet Secretary declared that any driver found operating a vehicle with alcohol levels exceeding the legal limit will face penalties of up to Sh100, 000 fine, or a prison sentence not exceeding two years, or both.
In addition, the CS warned that anyone convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol will have their driving license cancelled for one year.
The CS clarified that recent amendments passed by the National Assembly have reinstated the legal authority for the NTSA to enforce drunk driving laws, addressing previous court rulings.
“Consequently, the NTSA will be establishing these checkpoints in accordance with the Traffic (Drink-Driving) Rules, 2025, which were created through the amendment of Section 4 of the Traffic Act, CAP 403,” he said.
The Cabinet Secretary announced that he has already signed and submitted the updated regulations for re-gazettement, with publication expected this week, followed by immediate enforcement.
Moreover, he stated that NTSA had been mandated to oversee inspection of private vehicles through private inspection centers, as well as the inspection of public service vehicles, school transport, commercial vehicles, and vehicles used by driving schools.
The recently introduced legislation encompasses the Traffic (Drink-Driving) Rules 2025, the Traffic (Motor Vehicle Inspection) Rules 2025, the Operation of Commercial Service Vehicles Rules 2025, and the Traffic (School Transport) Rules 2025.
Following a visit to the victims of the Saturday, April 5th road accident along the Kaplong-Kapkatet road, which tragically resulted in the deaths of 15 individuals, the CS stated that the new measures were essential in protecting the lives of Kenyans.
By Hellen Lunalo
