The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has arrested 21 drivers following a joint inter-agency night operation along the Kakamega-Mumias Road as authorities intensify efforts to improve road safety ahead of the festive season.
The operation targeted motorists and public service vehicles found operating in violation of traffic regulations, with inspectors identifying several safety concerns that could put passengers and other road users at risk.
In an update shared on its official social media platforms, NTSA said some of the drivers were found operating vehicles while under the influence of alcohol, while others did not have valid driving licences.
The authority also reported cases involving drivers whose Public Service Vehicle (PSV) badges had expired, raising concerns about compliance among motorists responsible for transporting passengers.
During the checks, enforcement officers further flagged vehicles with mechanical and documentation-related violations. These included cracked windscreens, worn-out tyres, expired inspection certificates and stickers, as well as expired insurance certificates.
Other motorists were reportedly found using unprescribed vehicle registration plates, an offence that raises questions about vehicle identification and compliance with established registration requirements.
NTSA did not immediately provide a breakdown of the number of drivers arrested for each offence or indicate whether all the affected vehicles were impounded. However, the 21 arrests point to the range of violations encountered during the night operation.
The exercise was conducted jointly with other government agencies as part of wider efforts to ensure that motorists comply with road safety requirements. Such operations are intended to identify vehicles and drivers that pose risks before accidents occur, particularly during periods when traffic volumes increase.
The festive season usually brings increased movement as families travel to different parts of the country to celebrate with relatives and friends. The rise in travel activity also places additional responsibility on drivers, transport operators and vehicle owners to ensure that journeys are conducted safely.
For public service vehicle operators, compliance involves ensuring that drivers have valid licences and PSV badges, while vehicles must undergo the required inspections and maintain valid insurance. Motorists are also expected to ensure that their vehicles are mechanically sound before taking them onto the roads.
Driving under the influence of alcohol remains a major safety concern because it affects judgement, coordination and a driver's ability to respond to changing road conditions. Similarly, worn-out tyres and damaged windscreens can compromise vehicle control and visibility, increasing the risk of crashes.
NTSA has been urging motorists to observe traffic regulations and take personal responsibility for their safety and that of other road users as the festive season approaches.
The authority encouraged members of the public to access further information about its festive season road safety campaign through its official website, **www.ntsa.go.ke**.
The latest arrests come amid continued enforcement efforts aimed at addressing dangerous driving practices and ensuring that vehicles operating on Kenyan roads meet the required safety standards.
NTSA has not indicated whether similar operations will be conducted in other parts of the country, but the Kakamega-Mumias Road exercise highlights the authority's continued focus on compliance as holiday travel picks up.
