Chirchir: What state is doing to curb surging road accidents

Roads and Transport CS Davis Chirchir has condoled with families and loved ones who lost their lives in the recent road accidents.

The CS condoled with those who died on the Dajara Sita site area along Kaplong - Kapkatet -Road, in Bomet.

The road accident which happened at Kimalany Bridge involved Shangilia School Bus and a Kericho-bound Matatu.

Another accident occured at Mlima ya Sondu involving a Nissan and a trailer, which killed 3 school children and a teacher and left others critically injured.

“Let me take this opportunity to pass my message of condolence to the affected families and the large extent to the nation, for the wonton loss of lives and people injured at the road accident here on the Dajara sita site area along Kaplong - Kapkatet - Road yesterday Saturday April 5, 2025 at about 3 pm,” he said.

According to the CS, the fatalities reported to date stand at 15.

While visiting the hospital, the CS said it is unacceptable that innocent Kenyans going about their business using public transport are put to such pains and anguish by irresponsible and careless drivers.

According to the CS, the government, through the Ministry of Roads and Transport, the State Department Transport and the National Transport and Safety Authority, have developed necessary regulations and rules pursuant to the Traffic Act Cap 403 of the Laws of Kenya.

They are the traffic (Drink- Driving) Rules, 2025, the traffic (Motor Vehicle Inspection) Rules, 2025, and the operation of Commercial Service Vehicles) Rules, 2025 and Traffic (School Transport) Rules, 2025.

He said that the Traffic (Drink- Driving) Rules, 2025, will regulate drunk driving.

He said the Breathalyser Rules, 2011, were outlawed in Millimani Petition No. 219 of 2014 Reminisce Sports Bar Ltd & Anor. Vs. Cabinet Secretary -Ministry of Roads and Transport as section 44 of the Traffic Act did not provide an offence for drunk and driving.

“The National Assembly amended section 4 of the Traffic Act, CAP 403 laws of Kenya which now provides that: Any person who, when driving or attempting to drive, or in charge of a motor vehicle on a road or other public place, is under the influence of an alcoholic drink or a drug beyond the prescribed limits, shall be guilty of an offence and, liable to a fine of up to Sh100,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to both.

He said a person convicted of an offence under the section shall be disqualified 12 twelve months from the date of conviction for holding or obtaining a license.

The CS said that previously, the regulations were gazetted before the input of the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Transport, which is a key stakeholder.

“Last month, in March 2025, I signed and submitted the new regulations for re-gazettement, and the same will be published this week, and implementation will be immediate.”

He added that the government will also be putting up to 1,000 breathalyzers on the roads to curtail those who cannot control their drinking when they know they will be on the roads.

CS Chirchir said the Traffic (Motor Vehicle Inspection Centre) Rules, 2025, will regulate the inspection of private motor vehicles by private inspection centres and the inspection of public service vehicles, school transportation, commercial vehicles and driving school motor vehicles by the National Transport and Safety Authority.

The CS added that the government, through the National Transport and Safety Authority, will regulate the operations of commercial vehicles, management and operation of commercial service vehicles whose tare weight is above three thousand 48 kilogrammes operating on a public road.

He said the Traffic (School Transport) Rules, 2025, will provide a framework for the regulation, management and operation of school vehicles and transportation of school children.

“Once again, to the affected families, my profound condolences for the loss of your loved ones. We did not have to get here. We will implement these regulations and take stern action to safeguard lives.”