The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has launched day and night road safety checks along major transport corridors, targeting speeding, drink-driving, overloading and other violations ahead of the festive season.
The operation, dubbed Msimu Bila Ajali, Usalama Barabarani, will be conducted in collaboration with law enforcement officers and will include sensitisation of drivers and passengers.
In a statement dated October 26, NTSA said night checks would receive particular attention because evening and late-night hours are among the most dangerous periods for road users.
“Night safety checks have been prioritised because evening and late-night hours are statistically the deadliest periods on our roads,” the authority said.
The authority said the additional enforcement would target risky behaviour that contributes to preventable road crashes, while encouraging motorists to comply with traffic regulations.
During the operation, officers will monitor vehicle speeds in real time and check whether speed limiters are functioning properly and transmitting data continuously to the Intelligent Road Safety Management System (IRSMS).
NTSA also warned motorists against fraudulent text messages claiming to notify them of speeding violations.
The authority said legitimate speed violation notifications are sent exclusively through the SMS sender ID NTSA.
The operation will also target public service vehicles and long-distance transport operators, with officers checking passenger manifests, driver logs, licensed routes, Road Service Licences and valid inspection stickers.
The checks are intended to establish whether drivers are observing permitted driving hours and whether vehicles meet the required safety and licensing standards.
Officers will also verify the validity of driving licences and public service vehicle badges, while checking that vehicles do not exceed authorised passenger capacities or permitted load weights.
Breathalyser tests will be conducted to identify drivers suspected of operating vehicles after consuming alcohol.
NTSA urged passengers to wear seatbelts throughout their journeys, noting that they help prevent occupants from being thrown out of vehicles and reduce the risk of serious or fatal injuries during crashes.
The authority said the day and night operations would follow safety protocols designed to protect motorists, manage traffic flow and ensure the safety of officers conducting inspections.
Motorists have been urged to slow down when approaching designated checkpoints and cooperate with law enforcement officers.
Those travelling at night have also been advised to reduce their speed, maintain a greater distance from vehicles ahead and remain focused on the road because darkness reduces visibility.
Vehicle owners have been directed to use the upgraded IRSMS portal to link their vehicles to licensed speed limiter vendors. Guidance on the system is available through NTSA's website, while technical queries can be sent to [email protected].
The latest campaign builds on NTSA's broader festive-season road safety measures, which include increased roadside inspections, digital monitoring of commercial vehicles and training for public service vehicle drivers and operators.
The authority has urged all road users to take responsibility for their safety and that of others as travel activity increases during the festive season.
For further information on road safety interventions, motorists are urged to visit www.ntsa.go.ke or contact NTSA through [email protected].
