NTSA arrests 12 drivers in Meru, eight test positive for drink-driving

NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 31 – The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has arrested 12 drivers and impounded their vehicles after a night-time road safety operation in Meru County, with eight found driving under the influence of alcohol.

The operation, conducted in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, also saw one driver refuse to provide a breath specimen for alcohol testing.

In a statement, NTSA said breathalyser tests conducted during the operation recorded alcohol levels as high as 1.483mg/l, 1.295mg/l, 1.189mg/l, 1.149mg/l and 0.780mg/l, against the legal limit of 0.35mg/l.

The authority warned that driving under the influence of alcohol puts motorists, passengers and other road users at risk, noting that high levels of intoxication significantly impair judgment and increase the likelihood of fatal road crashes.

The arrests come as NTSA intensifies road safety enforcement ahead of the festive season through its Msimu Bila Ajali, Usalama Barabarani campaign.

The campaign, launched in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, involves public sensitisation of drivers and passengers alongside day and night compliance checks along major transport corridors.

NTSA said night-time operations had been prioritised because evening and late-night hours are among the most dangerous periods on Kenyan roads.

The authority said the increased surveillance would help identify and disrupt risky driving behaviour associated with road crashes.

The compliance checks cover speeding violations, functionality of vehicle speed limiters and their continuous transmission of data to the Intelligent Road Safety Management System (IRSMS).

Officers are also checking documentation for long-distance public transport operators, including passenger manifests, driver logs, route licences, Road Service Licences and vehicle inspection stickers.

Other areas under scrutiny include vehicle carrying capacity, validity of driving licences and Public Service Vehicle (PSV) badges, as well as passenger compliance with seatbelt requirements.

NTSA urged motorists to ensure their vehicles are fitted with functional speed limiters and linked to the IRSMS through the authority’s upgraded portal.

The authority further cautioned motorists against responding to suspicious messages purporting to communicate speed violations, saying official notifications are issued exclusively through SMS ID NTSA.

Passengers were also reminded to wear seatbelts throughout their journeys, with the authority warning that failure to do so increases the risk of serious injuries or death in the event of a crash.

NTSA appealed to motorists approaching designated checkpoints to slow down and cooperate with enforcement officers, saying the operations are guided by safety protocols intended to protect motorists and officers while maintaining traffic flow.

As the festive season approaches, the authority urged drivers travelling at night to reduce their speeds, maintain safe following distances and remain alert due to reduced visibility.