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Chief Justice Martha Koome has announced a list of additional road safety measures aimed at reducing traffic accidents and fatalities during the festive season and beyond.
Speaking on Monday, December 15, Koome stated that the government, in collaboration with various justice and security sector agencies, had resolved to adopt a collective and coordinated approach to enhance road safety nationwide.
She said the measures are intended to prevent traffic-related deaths, noting that in many cases, victims are innocent pedestrians or motorists affected by the actions of other road users.
“We must all work together to ensure the smooth movement of persons and goods across the country during the festive season and beyond,” Koome said, urging Kenyans to strictly observe traffic rules and regulations to avert loss of life, injuries, and traffic congestion.
Motorists were particularly warned against speeding, drunk driving and dangerous overtaking during the holiday period. Members of the public were also encouraged to report any issues of concern through the toll-free emergency numbers 999, 911, and 112, with Koome confirming that the national command centre will operate on a 24-hour basis.
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As part of the measures, Koome said the government will strengthen multi-agency collaboration, coordination, and information sharing to ensure a unified approach to enforcing traffic laws and the administration of justice.
She added that joint enforcement and increased visibility will be prioritised nationwide, especially along high-risk corridors, to enable instant handling of traffic matters during the festive season.
Koome further announced the deployment of mobile traffic courts using both physical and electronic systems as a deterrent and enforcement measure. The initiative will involve officers from the National Police Service, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Judiciary, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), the Kenya Prison Service, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), and the Law Society of Kenya.
She said motorists who require legal representation will be given a reasonable time to contact their advocates, and that daily updates will be shared on where the mobile traffic courts are operating to enable accused persons to access legal services promptly.
The Chief Justice also stated that strategic roadblocks will be increased to intensify the inspection of vehicles and motorcycles. Kenyans were urged to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before travelling, with particular attention to be paid to motorbikes that violate traffic laws and regulations.
Additionally, EACC officers will be deployed along major highways to enforce traffic laws and deter corruption. Koome urged Kenyans not to offer or pay bribes when arrested for traffic violations, adding that monitoring will also be conducted to prevent human rights abuses during enforcement.
The latest measures come days after the National Police Service outlined broader security and road safety plans for the festive season. In a statement issued on December 12, NPS said police patrols would be intensified across all counties to address increased movement of people, vehicles, and goods during the holidays.
The police said special focus would be placed on urban centres, entertainment spots, shopping areas, places of worship and major transport hubs, alongside enhanced surveillance at border points, airports and other critical infrastructure.
Traffic police were also directed to step up enforcement of traffic laws nationwide, targeting offences such as over-speeding, drunk driving, dangerous overtaking, unroadworthy vehicles and violations by public service vehicles.
Designated checkpoints were to be set up along major highways, with motorists urged to observe speed limits, maintain their vehicles and comply with all traffic regulations.
The NPS said it would work closely with NTSA and other partners to strengthen compliance and emergency response during the festive period.
