Africa-Press – Kenya. The government has announced new Easter holiday security directives, including a crackdown on motorists flouting traffic regulations, while assuring Kenyans of enhanced safety measures across the country.
In a statement on Tuesday, the National Police Service (NPS) spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga announced that heightened security operations will be implemented as schools close and travel increases during the festive period.
“The National Police Service wishes to assure all Kenyans, residents, and visitors of their safety and security as the country prepares for the Easter holidays, which coincide with the closure of schools and the ongoing rainy season,” the statement read in part.
“Recognising that this period will be characterised by increased travel across the nation, social gatherings and tourism, all of which present unique security and safety challenges, the National Police Service has put in place a comprehensive strategy to maintain law and order.”
To address this, NPS revealed that the police have intensified traffic enforcement operations in collaboration with other government agencies, among them the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), targeting compliance with road safety regulations nationwide.
Motorists, pedestrians, boda boda riders, and public service vehicle operators have been urged to exercise caution and strictly adhere to traffic rules to reduce road accidents.
The police have warned against speeding, drunk driving, overloading, and distracted driving, while also urging the need for the use of helmets, reflective gear, and designated pedestrian crossings.
Vehicle owners have also been advised to conduct routine maintenance and ensure their cars are roadworthy to minimise accidents caused by mechanical failure.
Meanwhile, the NPS has deployed additional officers and resources to boost police presence in key public areas, including shopping malls, places of worship, markets, transport hubs, and entertainment venues.
Further, the police said that enhanced patrols and surveillance have also been rolled out to safeguard critical infrastructure and ensure the protection of life and property during the holiday period.
“We strongly encourage the public to remain vigilant and continuously share timely information about any suspicious activity. Reports can be made at any police station, to any law enforcement officer, or via our toll-free numbers 999 or 911,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, NTSA has signaled a raft of impending traffic changes following high-level talks aimed at tightening enforcement and reducing road fatalities across the country.
This followed a meeting between NTSA Director General Nashon Kondiwa and the Inspector General Douglas Kanja at the headquarters Vigilance House in Nairobi, where the two deliberated on critical interventions to enhance road safety.
Central to the talks was the development of sustainable and consistent enforcement measures, which could likely form the backbone of a renewed crackdown on traffic violations, as well as reviewing the existing ones.
