A special multi-agency team has been rolled out to police roads across the country as authorities move to contain the surge in accidents expected during the Christmas and New Year travel rush.
Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja on Tuesday said the unit, which started operations this week, will focus on reckless driving and corruption on the roads, with the aim of keeping travellers safe during a season marked by heavy movement.
The unit was announced by the Chairperson of the National Commission on the Administration of Justice, Chief Justice Martha Koome, who said mobile courts will be deployed along major highways to deal with traffic offenders without delay.
Under the plan, motorists who break traffic rules will be taken before the mobile courts and fined immediately, a step meant to discourage repeat offences during the festive period.
The special team brings together officers from the National Police Service, the National Transport and Safety Authority, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission and the Judiciary. Authorities say the joint approach is intended to tighten enforcement, address corruption on the roads and respond quickly to violations at a time when accident cases often rise.
Inspector-General Kanja warned that traffic offences would not be tolerated, saying the increase in road crashes during the festive season had become a serious concern. He urged motorists to take personal responsibility while travelling and to follow traffic rules to protect their lives and those of other road users.
“During the festive season, there is a lot of movement, and we want to assure Kenyans that they will be safe on the roads," he said. "Motorists should avoid drink-driving and other offences. A life lost is one too many, and we will be vigilant to ensure that all road users are safe.”
He said the use of instant fines through the mobile courts would help curb habitual offenders by ensuring swift punishment for those who disregard traffic laws. According to the Inspector-General, the measures are part of broader efforts to reduce preventable accidents and restore order on major roads during the holiday period.
Inspector-General Kanja made the remarks during the official opening of training for new police recruits at the National Police Training College in Kiganjo. He said police officers who were on leave had been recalled to strengthen security surveillance and support operations during the holidays.
Addressing the 10,000 recruits who began their training on Tuesday, he urged them to maintain discipline throughout the course and to take their responsibility seriously. "You have been given an opportunity to train as police officers, and we expect you to complete the course successfully.”
