The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has intensified enforcement operations on Kenyan roads as the festive season approaches, with a renewed focus on curbing drink-driving, one of the leading causes of fatal road crashes.

In a statement released on Saturday, December 20, 2025, NTSA revealed that it is conducting random breathalyzer (Alcoblow) tests across major highways, noting that several motorists were arrested on Friday night, December 19, 2025, along the busy Embu–Nairobi highway for driving under the influence of alcohol.

The authority has warned that drink-driving continues to claim lives every year, especially during festive periods when social gatherings and late-night travel increase.

The return of Alcoblow

”As the festive season ramps up, we are conducting random breathalyser (Alcoblow) tests, and last night, several motorists were netted along the Embu-Nairobi highway. Please remember, drink driving kills. It endangers your life and that of others,” NTSA said in a statement.

Notably, authorities warn that alcohol impairs judgment, slows reaction time, and reduces coordination, significantly increasing the likelihood of crashes. Motorists planning to attend celebrations were advised to put safety first by designating a sober driver or opting for a taxi or other safe transport alternatives.

“Ukiplan kupiga sherehe, simply designate a sober driver or use a taxi,” the authority advised.

Meanwhile, NTSA has also issued a renewed appeal to motorists to exercise discipline on the roads amid rising cases of fatal accidents.

In a statement released on Saturday, December 19, 2025, NTSA cautioned that lane indiscipline and careless overtaking remain among the leading causes of deadly head-on collisions on Kenyan roads. The authority noted that many of the crashes recorded during peak travel periods are preventable if motorists adhere to basic traffic rules.

According to the authority, head-on crashes are among the most devastating forms of road accidents due to the force of impact, often resulting in severe injuries or loss of life. Such incidents have been on the rise during the festive season, when traffic volumes.

Travel advisory

”Keep left at all times, unless carefully overtaking. Lane indiscipline, careless or dangerous overtaking, is one of the leading causes of head-on collisions and fatalities on our roads. Head-on collisions are among the most devastating crashes, often resulting in severe injuries or loss of life due to the impact,” NTSA emphasised.

The Authority further shared protective measures for drivers and other road users to reduce the accident rates and loss of life.

”To protect yourself and other road users: always stay in the left lane and maintain lane discipline. Check for oncoming traffic and blind spots before carefully overtaking. Never overtake on curves or where visibility is limited. Signal clearly to other drivers, overtake safely, and return promptly to the left lane,” NTSA added.