21 Drivers Arrested During NTSA Crackdown

At least 21 drivers have been arrested following a compliance operation along the Kakamega-Mumias Road.

In a statement on Wednesday, November 4, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) said the drivers did not comply with road safety rules. 

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“Update: 21 drivers arrested following a joint interagency night compliance check along the Kakamega-Mumias Road,” read the NTSA statement. 

According to the authority, some of the drivers were driving under the influence of alcohol, while others did not have a valid driving license, and others had an expired PSV badge. 

NTSA also revealed that some vehicles were operating with cracked windscreens, worn-out tires, expired inspection certificates, and expired insurance certificates. 

Further, the authority said some vehicles were found displaying unprescribed registration plates. 

This comes days after NTSA arrested 12 drivers during a crackdown in Meru County. 

In a statement on Saturday, October 31, NTSA said 8 of the drivers were found to have been driving under the influence after they failed the breathalyser test.

"Worryingly, eight of those apprehended were driving under the influence of alcohol, while one driver refused to provide a breath specimen for analysis.

"Officers recorded Breath Alcohol Content (BrAC) readings as high as 1.483 mg/l, 1.295 mg/l, 1.189 mg/l, 1.149 mg/l, and 0.780 mg/l — all significantly higher than the legal limit of 0.35 mg/l," NTSA reported.

The Authority warned that drunk driving not only puts the drivers at risk, but also exposes other road users to danger on the highways.

It added that all suspects found culpable of drinking while under the influence of alcohol will be charged in accordance with the provisions of the Traffic Act.

"Drink-driving endangers everyone on the road. At these extreme levels of intoxication, judgment is severely impaired, and the risk of a fatal crash increases significantly," the Authority wrote.

NTSA also provided a safety compliance checklist that drivers must adhere to.

Drivers will be checked on whether they have committed any speed violations, the functionality of their speed limiters, and whether they have the requisite transport operator documentation to provide long-distance travel services.

The authority will also assess if motorists are complying with the vehicle capacity control rules, have valid licenses, and whether their passengers have fastened their seat belts.