Traffic Offenders to Face Instant Justice as Government Intensifies Festive Season Road Safety Measures

By : Mweru Mbugua

Traffic offenders will face immediate penalties on the highways this festive season as the government steps up efforts to curb the rising road carnage across the country

The National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ) announced a series of measures, including roadblocks, deployment of NTSA and EACC officers, and strict enforcement of legally prescribed driver working hours

These initiatives coincide with the Cabinet-approved rollout of smart driving licences, which will feature instant fines, mobile wallet payments, and a system for tracking driver merits and demerits

Speaking on Monday, Chief Justice Martha Koome said traffic-related deaths have risen by 5% compared to the same period last year

“Deaths associated with traffic accidents have risen from 4,479 last year to 4,682 this year,” she noted

To address the situation, the NCAJ will implement mobile courts that use both physical and electronic platforms to dispense swift justice to offenders

“We want to ensure Kenyans can continue with their festivities while violations are handled expeditiously,” Koome said

Strategic roadblocks will focus on vehicle roadworthiness, particularly targeting public service vehicles and motorbikes, which are most prone to high-casualty incidents

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In addition, the council has established a lifeline for road users. Through collaboration with the police, ODPP, judiciary, Kenya Prisons Service, EACC, and LSK, offenders requiring legal representation will have access to advocates and information on court locations daily

New toll-free lines 999, 911, and 112  have been introduced to report dangerous overtaking, drunk driving, or corruption on the roads

The NCAJ also urged public transport companies to safeguard drivers’ welfare by enforcing adequate rest between trips. “No driver should be on the road for more than eight hours without a stop

Maximizing profits should not endanger the lives of drivers or passengers,” CJ Koome emphasized

Stakeholders are also encouraged to ensure emergency response measures are in place, including readily available ambulances