20 Drivers, Riders Arrested in Mombasa-Nairobi Highway Crackdown

The National Police Service (NPS) has intensified road safety awareness and enforcement operations across Kitui, Makueni and Mombasa counties, resulting in the arrest of 20 motorists and riders.

In a statement on Wednesday, November 11, NPS said the operations were being conducted in collaboration with road safety stakeholders to promote responsible road use and enforce traffic regulations.

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"The National Police Service, in collaboration with road safety stakeholders, has intensified road safety awareness and enforcement operations across Kitui, Makueni and Mombasa counties," the statement read.

As part of the awareness campaign, traffic officers and partner agencies engaged boda boda operators, motorists, truck drivers and members of the public in Mwingi and Makindu towns. 

The engagements focused on responsible road use, defensive driving, compliance with traffic regulations and the importance of wearing protective gear.

The sensitisation campaigns also highlighted dangerous road practices that contribute to accidents, particularly speeding, reckless driving and operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol.

"The sensitisation campaigns also emphasised the dangers of speeding, reckless driving, drunk driving, distracted driving and motorcycle overloading," the statement added.

Meanwhile, the enforcement operation along the busy Mombasa-Nairobi Highway resulted in 20 motorists and riders being arrested or facing action over various traffic violations.

The violations included driving under the influence of alcohol, operating defective vehicles, failure to have valid insurance and licensing documents, and contravening Public Service Vehicle (PSV) regulations.

The National Police Service urged motorists, riders and other road users to comply with traffic regulations and exercise caution to prevent road accidents.

"The National Police Service urges all road users to observe traffic regulations, exercise caution and prioritise safety. We encourage members of the public to report any traffic violations or road safety concerns to the nearest police post or station," the statement concluded.

Meanwhile, the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) has intensified inspections of Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) across the country in a nationwide crackdown targeting inappropriate audiovisual content displayed on screens fitted inside matatus and other public transport vehicles.

In a statement on Tuesday, November 10, the Board said the exercise is being conducted in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including the National Police Service (NPS).

KFCB warned PSV operators against exposing children to inappropriate material, noting that more minors were expected to use public transport, either travelling alone or accompanied by their families during the holiday season.

"With schools closed for the long holidays and the December festivities approaching, the use of public transport by children travelling alone or with their families is expected to increase. 

"Operators of PSVs are therefore cautioned against exhibiting inappropriate audiovisual content that may expose children to harmful material," the statement read.

KFCB also urged members of the public to help identify and report cases where children were exposed to unsuitable audiovisual content in public transport vehicles and other public or private spaces.

"KFCB calls on members of the public to remain vigilant and report cases of minors being exposed to inappropriate audiovisual content in public transport vehicles and other public or private spaces.

"Such cases can be reported to the Board through [email protected] or its social media platforms for appropriate action," the statement added.