Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has outlined road traffic and security preparedness for the festive season.
In a statement posted on Thursday, December 5, 2024, Kanja noted that he has deployed additional traffic officers on the roads to ensure the free flow of traffic during the festive season.
In addition, the police IG stated that they are collaborating with the National Transport and Safety Authority to conduct crackdowns and road safety compliance checks on the major highways, and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission to curb corrupt traffic officers on the roads.
“In our operational plan, we have deployed additional Traffic Police Officers on the roads to ensure the free flow of traffic.
“Through the multi-agency strategy, we are also collaborating with the National Transport and Safety Authority to conduct crackdowns and road safety compliance checks on the major highways, and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission to prevent corruption on the roads this festive season,” he said.
Security
Apart from road safety, Kanja noted that more specialized units in the police force will help intensify security surveillance in major towns borders, places of worship, shopping malls and critical infrastructural areas.
“Kenyans should expect to see more police presence and visibility, as we have deployed more specialized units including Formed Police Units and undercover Officers alongside the Regular Police, to intensify patrols and heighten both ground and aerial surveillance in the major towns, borders, places of worship, shopping malls and critical infrastructural areas,” he added.
Kanja further directed all police officers on leave to resume duty with immediate effect to support heightened security activities during the festive season.
Kanja on road accidents
The police IG also raised an alarm over the increase in road accidents in the country over the last 12 months, noting that fatal accidents increased by six per cent this year, pointing an accusing finger at some motorists.
He stated that the country recorded 3,681 fatal accidents compared to 3,469 recorded between January to November 2023.
Despite the sharp increase in fatal accidents, the police IG observed that officers were reporting carnage incidents even as the festive season nears.
“Road traffic accidents tend to increase during the festive season and already we are seeing an increase in road traffic accidents this year,” Kanja stated.
Kanja further indicated that in 2024, the country recorded 21,600 victims of road accidents compared to 20,239 victims in 2023. He added that 4,282 victims were fatally injured in the road carnages this year while 182 people lost their lives.
“In 2023, we recorded a total of 20,239 victims of road traffic accidents compared with 21,600 victims this year marking an increase of around 10 per cent. Out of this, 4,090 were fatally injured in 2023 compared to 4,282 victims in 2024 indicating an increase of 182 people who have lost their lives as a result of road carnage this year,” Kanja informed the nation.
PRESS BRIEFING : SECURITY AND ROAD TRAFFIC PREPAREDNESS DURING DECEMBER 2024 FESTIVE SEASON pic.twitter.com/afFipVqWHQ
— National Police Service-Kenya (@NPSOfficial_KE) December 5, 2024
