Police have taken action against 20 motorists and motorcycle riders following a multi-agency traffic enforcement operation along the Mombasa–Nairobi Highway amid renewed efforts to curb road accidents.
The operation, conducted on Tuesday, November 10, targeted various traffic violations, including driving under the influence of alcohol, operating defective vehicles, driving without valid insurance and licences, and breaching Public Service Vehicle (PSV) regulations.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, November 11, the National Police Service (NPS) said the enforcement exercise was part of intensified road safety operations being conducted in collaboration with other stakeholders across Kitui, Makueni and Mombasa counties.
The crackdown comes as authorities step up efforts to address dangerous driving practices and improve compliance with traffic regulations, particularly along major transport corridors.
Alongside the highway enforcement operation, traffic officers and partner agencies conducted road safety sensitisation campaigns in Mwingi and Makindu towns, targeting boda boda operators, motorists, truck drivers and members of the public.
In Mwingi, road users were sensitised on responsible road use, defensive driving and adherence to traffic regulations, while similar engagements in Makindu emphasised compliance with safety requirements and the importance of protective gear.
The campaigns also highlighted the dangers of speeding, reckless driving, drunk driving, distracted driving and overloading motorcycles, with officers urging road users to take greater responsibility for their safety and that of others.
The latest operations follow a November 7 directive by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja ordering intensified traffic enforcement ahead of the festive season.
Kanja warned that increased road traffic and commercial activities towards the end of the year could expose motorists, passengers and pedestrians to heightened safety risks.
He directed police commanders to coordinate enforcement operations targeting dangerous driving, speeding, drunkenness and unroadworthy motor vehicles and motorcycles.
The renewed focus on road safety also follows a series of fatal crashes along major highways. On November 8, four people died after two trucks collided and burst into flames at Kiunduani in Makueni County along the Mombasa–Nairobi Highway.
The National Police Service has urged motorists, motorcycle riders and other road users to observe traffic regulations, exercise caution and prioritise safety.
Members of the public have also been encouraged to report traffic violations and road safety concerns to the nearest police post or station through the available police reporting channels.
