NTSA issues safety alert on stalled vehicles ahead of festive season
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has issued a safety alert urging motorists to remove stalled vehicles from the road as quickly as possible, warning that breakdowns, especially at night, pose a danger to other road users.
In a statement shared via X on Friday, December 19, 2025, the authority said vehicles that break down after dark are particularly hazardous due to low visibility. NTSA noted that approaching motorists may fail to notice a stalled vehicle in time, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions and other crashes.
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The agency stressed that for the safety of all road users, drivers should make every effort to move broken-down vehicles off the road immediately. Where this is not possible, motorists have been advised to take clear steps to warn other drivers and reduce the risk of accidents.
NTSA directed drivers to activate hazard warning lights and keep their headlights or parking lights on to improve visibility. Motorists were also advised to open the bonnet, which is widely recognised as a signal that a vehicle is in distress.
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In addition, drivers were urged to place reflective warning triangles at a safe distance in front of and behind the stalled vehicle to alert oncoming traffic early enough.
The warning comes as traffic volumes increase ahead of the festive season, with many Kenyans travelling at night. NTSA said observing these safety measures can help prevent avoidable accidents and save lives on the roads.
Road safety
Earlier, NTSA impounded several public service vehicles (PSVs) for overloading following enforcement operations in Molo and parts of Kericho.
In a statement, the authority said the crackdown targeted vehicles that exceeded the approved passenger capacity, noting that overloading is a major cause of road accidents and deaths.
Officers stopped and impounded PSVs found carrying excess passengers, including those seated in unsafe, improvised spaces commonly known as sambaza. NTSA warned that passengers seated in such areas face a higher risk of being thrown out during a crash.
The authority also urged commuters to avoid boarding overloaded vehicles, reminding the public that road safety is a shared responsibility between passengers and transport operators.
The enforcement comes as part of wider measures announced ahead of the festive season. Speaking during World Accident Day in November 2025, acting NTSA Director General Angela Wanjira said drivers flagged through enforcement and the Intelligent Road Safety Management System (IRSMS) will be required to undergo mandatory re-testing.
The IRSMS, launched in 2023, monitors PSVs and commercial vehicles by tracking speed, driver behaviour, braking patterns and route compliance, and sends alerts when violations occur. NTSA said drivers who repeatedly break traffic rules may face retraining or loss of licences.
NTSA also plans to strengthen the Usalama Barabarani campaign, focusing on seatbelt use, driver fatigue and safe road practices, alongside conducting pre-festive vehicle inspection clinics at bus termini to improve safety during the busy travel period.
