The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), in collaboration with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), has launched a three-day nationwide road safety campaign targeting Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) and Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HCVs).
In a statement released on Monday, April 14, KeNHA explained that the campaign was necessitated by a recent spike in road accidents across the country. The safety initiative aims to promote responsible driving behaviour, especially among high-risk road users.
“The exercise kicked off today in Eldoret and will continue in other parts of the country, including Malaba, Busia, Kisumu, Nyeri, and Meru,” read the statement.
Campaign Focus and Objectives
The campaign focuses primarily on engaging PSV and HCV drivers to:
- Promote responsible and sober driving
- Enforce existing traffic regulations
- Enhance collaboration on road safety awareness
The exercise comes at a crucial time, with increased travel expected during the Easter holiday, which historically sees a surge in road traffic incidents.
Government Response to Rising Accidents
In response to the rising fatalities on the roads, Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir recently blamed the crisis on reckless behaviour, particularly drunk driving.
“Any person who, when driving or attempting to drive or in charge of a motor vehicle on a road or other public place, is under the influence of an alcoholic drink or a drug beyond the prescribed limits shall be guilty of an offence,” said Chirchir.
Offenders, he warned, face fines of up to Ksh 100,000, two years’ imprisonment, or both, under new traffic regulations set to be rolled out.
