Police issues safety advisory during festival season, Dec 2023.
The National Police Service NPS has issued a traffic advisory as Kenyans enter into the festive season.
Police say they expect high vehicle traffic on Kenya roads due to increased movements of Kenyans across the country “from experience”.
NPS noted that the vehicular situation this year is further compounded by the ongoing heavy El-Nino rains that are being experienced in many parts of the Country, which in turn is said to be causing poor visibility on the roads.
From data at NPS, according to reports, road traffic accidents are a leading cause of injuries and fatalities, with negative financial and health implications of accidents on victims and caregivers.
Already, NPS boss Japheth Koome says, they have had two major accidents along Nakuru road since last week which have led to the loss of 16 People.
“It is quite regrettable that most road traffic accidents and crashes in the Country, are due to preventable human factors.” Said Koome.
Police Advisory: Traffic Rule compliance.
In most of these cases, the NPS boss says, “we are talking of non-compliance with traffic regulations and rules such as operating defective vehicles, failure to use safety belts by commuters, speeding, driver fatigue, driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, and dangerous overtaking.”
“Wanainchi Wenzangu, the National Police Service has the mandate to enforce the traffic laws.” NPS affirmed.
However, the NPS emphasized that road safety is “our collective responsibility as Kenyans.” And that, “we must change our behaviour on the roads.”
Koome appealed to pedestrians, cyclists, boda boda riders, passengers and drivers to sticky to traffic rules so as to make this festive season safe for all Kenyans.
The National Police Service, Koome detailed, remains supportive of the ongoing joint efforts with other government agencies including National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to ensure that safety and sanity prevails on our roads.
“In this regard, I wish to reiterate my past sentiments, that the National Police Service has no room for Corrupt Officers.” Koome said.
The police boss noted that his Office remains open to the Director EACC for collaboration in the fight against corruption.
To further enhance police visibility and security in the Country, Koome says NPS has also directed all Officers who are currently on Leave to resume duty with immediate effect.
Koome called upon members of the general public to remain vigilant even as they celebrate, and report any crime or suspicious activities, to the nearest police station or through the police hotline numbers 999, 112, 911, and 0800 722 203.
“I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year 2024. God bless.” Concluded the police boss.
