Government to roll out alcoblows over rising accidents-Chirchir

A new raft of measures will be deployed in order to control runaway accidents in the country that have claimed dozens of lives over the past week, says Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir.

The CS said this after visiting several hospitals where persons who were injured in accidents over the past days were receiving treatment.

"I have just visited Kaplong Hospital, and it is unacceptable that innocent Kenyans going about their business using public transport are put to such pains and anguish by irresponsible and careless drivers. Some who imagine they can drink and drive," said Chirchir in a statement on April 6, 2025.

"I am equally aware of the road accident that occurred at Kimalany bridge involving Shangilia School Bus and a Kericho Bound Matatu where with the report of potential intoxicated driver."

He also cited another accident at Mlima ya Sondu involving a Nissan and a trailer, which killed 3 school children and a teacher and critically injured others, adding that Saturday's accident at the Daraja Sita area along Kaplong-Kapkatet Road killed 15 people.

To curb the rising road carnage, part of which are attributed to drunk driving, the CS said 1000 breathalyzers, will be introduced on roads under the Traffic (Drink- Driving) Rules, 2025.

He noted that the Breathalyzer Rules, 2011, were outlawed in Millimani Petition No. 219 of 2014 Reminisce Sports Bar Ltd & Anor. Vs. Cabinet Secretary -Ministry of Roads and Transport, as section 44 of the Traffic Act did not provide an offence for drunk and driving.

The regulations were gazetted before the input of the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Transport, which is a key stakeholder.

The CS said that in March 2025, he signed and submitted the new regulations for re-gazettement, and the regulations will be published this week, and implementation will be immediate.

"With this we will be putting up to 1,000 breathalyzers on our roads to curtail those of us who can not control their drinking when they know they will be on the roads." said the statement.

He also added that the Ministry of Roads & Transport, through the State Department Transport and the National Transport & Safety Authority (NTSA), have developed necessary regulations and rules pursuant to the Traffic Act Cap 403 of the Laws of Kenya in order to curb road accidents.

These include: Traffic (Drink- Driving) Rules, 2025, Traffic (Motor Vehicle Inspection) Rules, 2025, Operation Commercial Service Vehicles) Rules, 2025 and Traffic (School Transport) Rules, 2025.

"Once again, to the affected families, my profound condolences for the loss of your loved ones," said Chirchir.

"We did not have to get here. We will implement these regulations and take stern action to safeguard lives."