Unworthy vehicles intercepted, drivers arrested in Nairobi-Mombasa Highway crackdown

Security apparatus in Machakos County have raised alarm over increased fatalities resulting from road carnages in the region, especially along the busy Nairobi-Mombasa highway.

In a major road unworthy vehicles crackdown conducted by National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) in conjunction with traffic officers, it was established that the speeding menace has been relatively reduced and that the major challenge remains defective vehicles and careless driving including overlapping.

According to NTSA records, since January this year, 42 lives have been lost through road accidents in Machakos County alone.

Careless bodaboda riders on wrong lanes have also been cited as a menace contributing to the high rate of fatal accidents.

Machakos County Commissioner Rhoda Onyancha says the multi-agency crackdown aims at reducing the rampant accidents to avert loss of life while encouraging motorists to promote and adhere to road safety.

She has also urged pedestrians to take personal responsibilities and ensure they cross the busy highway at designated points to avert hit-and-run deaths.

"As a multi-agency, we will keep an eye on rogue motorists because safety of road users should not be compromised by careless motorists. Those who are not willing to comply with road safety measures will face the wrath of the law," she said.

In the crackdown, 73 vehicles including private and public service vehicles (PSVs) were intercepted along the Athiriver stretch alone.

Lack of insurance and vehicles with missing parts like doors and windows were also some of the faults identified.

The Drivers who were arrested will be arraigned at Mavoko Law Court to face charges as the rapid response road safety crackdown continues.