The National Police Service’s traffic division will reintroduce alcoblow breathalyzer on major highways across the country in an effort to deter drunk driving and rein in road accidents during the upcoming festive season.
Speaking during a road safety campaign exercise in Kisumu County, Nairobi Traffic Police Superintendent Erick Kiragu noted that the breathalyzers are an effective tool for discouraging Kenyan motorists from engaging in drunk driving.
While noting that thousands of Kenyans lose their lives in road accidents each year, Kiragu stated that police will carry out inspections on both private and public vehicles to ensure that they are compliant with current road regulations.
Kisumu’s National Transport and Safety Authority Manager, Isaac Silali, on his part noted that the State agency will work in tandem with police to ensure that the exercise is successful.
In July 2022, former President Uhuru Kenyatta signed the Traffic (Amendment) Bill 2021 into law outlawing drunk driving.
Motorists found guilty of the offense risk a fine not exceeding Ksh.100,000, a two-year prison term, or both.