A section of pedestrians caught flaunting traffic rules were on Tuesday arrested during a nationwide crackdown.
The early morning crackdown was launched by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) in collaboration with police officers from the National Police Service (NPS) and is set to continue.
Those arrested included pedestrians caught crossing roads without using available footbridges, walkaways and designated crossing points.
"This morning, several pedestrians who failed to obey traffic rules were detained. Pedestrians must use available footbridges, walkways and other designated crossing points to ensure their safety.
"To avoid any inconveniences, we urge pedestrians to observe traffic rules," a statement by NTSA said.
Earlier, the authority had launched a crackdown on unroadworthy vehicles and 22,958 drivers were arrested, out of this, 1,086 were charged for drunk driving.
Similarly, 5,590 motorcyclists were arrested and charged during the crackdown whereas 6,692 motorcycles were detained.
Murkomen directives
The latest aligns with Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen's directive in a move meant to curb road carnage.
CS Murkomen formulated a raft of reforms in conjunction with his interior counterpart Kithure Kindiki to restore sanity in the transport sector after the spiking rates of accidents witnessed in the country.
"Having consulted with my Interior and National Coordination colleague, Prof. Kithure Kindiki, we are going to establish a mechanism where the previous directive to remove NTSA from enforcement will be vacated and a collaborative regime between NTSA and NPS will be put in place for a more efficient enforcement," CS Murkomen said.
"You will be seeing a return of the NTSA working with traffic police to enforce traffic safety on our roads as soon as possible," he added.
PRESS STATEMENT ON THE RECENT ACCIDENTS ON OUR ROADS. pic.twitter.com/eCPlbbmwOt— KIPCHUMBA MURKOMEN, E.G.H (@kipmurkomen) March 19, 2024
The transport CS also announced the resumption of re-testing for all PSV and heavy commercial drivers and the implementation of medical testing for all drivers before renewal and issuance of driving licences.
On his part, CS Kindiki reiterated his ministry's efforts to enforce the implementation of the measures to reduce the rates of deaths on Kenyan roads.
Since January, NTSA has recorded 252 deaths compared to the 190 deaths recorded during the same time last year.
"We are coming up with nationwide law enforcement measures against traffic offences, drunk driving and unroadworthy vehicles," he said.
