By Grace Gilo
The Inspector General of the National Police Service, Douglas Kanja, has issued a statement on the Police’s preparedness during December’s festive season.
Based on data, the IG stated that road traffic accidents are still a leading cause of injuries and fatalities in the country. However, most of these accidents are caused by preventable human factors especially non-compliance with traffic rules and regulations.
“Evidently, road traffic accidents tend to increase during festive seasons, and already, we are seeing an increase in road traffic accidents this year. Last year from January to November for example, we recorded 3469 fatal accidents compared with 3681 fatal accidents recorded this year, marking an increase of 212 (6%),” read the statement in part from the IG.
“In terms of victims, in 2023, we recorded a total of 20,239 victims of road traffic accident compared with 21,620 victims this year, marking an increase of 1381 (7%). Out this, 4090 victims were fatally injured in 2023 compared with 4282 victims in 2024, indicating an increase of 192 people who have lost their lives as a result of road carnage this year,” the IG added.
In line with their operational plan, the Inspector General confirmed the deployment of additional Traffic Police Officers on the roads to ensure the free flow of traffic.
The police are also working in conjunction with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to conduct crackdowns and road safety compliance checks on the major highways, and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to prevent corruption on the roads this festive season.
Furthermore, the IG reiterated that apart from the roads, Kenyans should anticipate more police presence and visibility.
Additional specialized units, including Formed Police Units and undercover Officers, have been deployed alongside the regular Police, to intensify patrols and heighten both ground and aerial surveillance in the major towns, borders, places of worship, shopping malls and critical infrastructural areas.
“While the National Police Service has put in place these elaborate measures to ensure security, I wish to remind all of us Kenyans, that security and road safety is our collective responsibility,” IG Kanja stated.
Additionally, he called upon all drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, boda boda riders and passengers to comply with traffic regulations and rules by avoiding operating unroadworthy motor vehicles, failure to use safety belts by commuters, speeding, driver fatigue, driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, and careless driving.
“We also appeal to the owners of motor vehicle and boda boda saccos to collaborate with our Officers to enhance discipline among drivers,” the Head of Police appealed.
Similarly, the police have intensified the war on illicit brews and drug abuse and reminded bar owners to comply with operation hours.
“Meanwhile, I have recalled all Police Officers who are on Leave to resume duty with immediate effect,” added the Inspector General.