As Kenyans travel in large numbers for the festive season, the government has rolled out a tough response against motorists who break traffic rules.

At the centre of this effort is the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), which is now moving to suspend or revoke driving licences for drivers caught in repeated or serious violations.

Over the last few days, NTSA officers, working with other agencies, have been carrying out intensive checks on major roads across the country.

The outcome has revealed worrying levels of non-compliance. More than 400 vehicle owners have already been flagged, with 42 drivers detained and 418 vehicles clamped for failing to meet safety requirements.

The authority says the scale of the problem is far bigger than initially expected. In just four days, enforcement teams recorded 1,702 safety violations involving private cars, public service vehicles, and commercial transport.

“Over the past four days, multi-agency compliance checks have identified 1,702 violations involving commercial, public service, and private vehicles,” NTSA disclosed.

These offences cut across many areas of road safety. Some vehicles were found operating without working speed limiters, while others were driven by intoxicated drivers.

No room for careless driving

There were also cases of unroadworthy vehicles being allowed on the road, motorists carrying excess passengers, and drivers operating without valid licences.

NTSA further noted that several motorists were stopped for lacking proper insurance cover or using vehicles under the wrong tax class.

According to the authority, these are not minor issues, as they increase the risk of crashes and complicate compensation when accidents occur.

What has raised deeper concern is the human cost linked to these violations despite the safety measures rolled out by the authority.NTSA says some of the offences have already led to fatal road incidents, leaving families grieving during what should be a joyful season. Counties such as Kakamega, Bungoma, Nakuru, Nyeri, Siaya, Kiambu, Nairobi, Machakos, Narok, Kisii, Turkana, and Uasin Gishu have recorded some of the worst cases.

“Tragically, on 23 December 2025 alone, 16 incidents were recorded, resulting in 25 lives lost. Most of the victims were pedestrians (8), passengers (8), followed by motorcyclists (5), pillion passengers (3), and one driver,” NTSA highlighted.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families and wish a speedy recovery to those injured,” the Authority added.

With roads becoming busier by the day, NTSA has appealed to all road users to be extra careful. Drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and cyclists have all been urged to follow traffic rules and remain alert, especially during peak travel hours.

This enforcement drive is part of a wider multi-agency operation involving NTSA, the National Police Service (NPS), and the Judiciary. The aim is not only to punish offenders but also to discourage reckless behaviour that has become common during holiday seasons.

To strengthen this approach, the Judiciary has announced plans to introduce mobile traffic courts. Chief Justice Martha Koome said the courts will help speed up the handling of traffic cases and reduce delays that often allow offenders to return to the roads without consequences.

Legal action

Speaking on Monday, December 15, 2025, Koome explained that quick action is key to restoring discipline on Kenyan roads.

“We will deploy mobile traffic courts using physical and digital means, with close collaboration. We will share this so that those who are charged can quickly get in touch with their lawyers,” she said.

She added that the system is meant to balance firm enforcement with fairness, ensuring transparency and respect for human rights while holding offenders accountable.

The Chief Justice also addressed the long-standing issue of corruption in traffic enforcement. She warned motorists against offering bribes and assured the public that mechanisms would be put in place to monitor officers in the field.

According to Koome, corruption directly fuels road deaths. “Do not pay any bribe when arrested. There will be monitoring of human rights violations.”

She singled out speeding as one of the deadliest habits during the festive season and urged drivers to slow down and exercise patience.

“We note the risky road behaviour which includes speeding, and we were asking one another if, when going for celebrations during this season, we forget that where we are going, whether it is to celebrate in our rural homes or wherever those destinations do not move, so that we speed away.”