Kenyans should now brace themselves for the official return of the controversial alcoblow as part of a series of wide-ranging proposals aimed at transforming the country’s transport regulations.

The draft rules, published in a special issue of The Kenya Gazette by the Ministry of Roads and Transport also seek to make it mandatory for all vehicles over four years old to undergo annual inspection.

The ministry says the draft rules that are now open for public consultation, mark a significant step towards improving vehicles safety, reducing accidents, and professionalizing road transport services.

Legal framework

Besides reintroduction of alcoblow which was withdrawn sometimes back after a court overruled their implementation due to the absence of a legal framework, the government also seeks ban school buses from being hired or used for private purposes.

The proposed reforms span four major regulatory instruments: vehicle inspection, school transport, drink-driving enforcement and commercial vehicle operations.

“The safety of school-going children is non-negotiable. This framework ensures that school transport is not only reliable but meets the highest safety standards.” Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir says on the school transport regulations.

Specific challenges

Chirchir says each set of rules is tailored to address specific challenges in Kenya’s current road safety regime and is grounded in relevant provisions of the Traffic Act and the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) Act.

Leading the package is the Traffic (Motor Vehicle Inspection) Rules, 2025, which propose mandatory inspections for vehicles older than four years, and all commercial, school, and public service vehicles.

“We are moving toward a transport ecosystem that values professionalism, accountability, and safety.” Chirchir, says on the overhaul of commercial vehicle operations.

All vehicles, should the regulations be approved, would be required to undergo fresh inspections after being involved in accidents, before registration, and during change of vehicle’s details.

Chirchir says the new rules aim to eliminate unsafe vehicles from Kenyan roads by setting clear procedures for inspection, regulating salvage vehicles, and introducing inspection stickers as proof of compliance.

In addition, private testing centers will also have to be licensed under strict standards, and stiff penalties imposed for non-compliance.

The second proposal, the Traffic (School Transport) Rules, 2025, is designed to safeguard school-going children.