The traffic department will continue sensitizing citizens on road safety and proper road usage in a bid to reduce road accidents and other traffic-related offenses.

Central Regional Traffic Commander Elizabeth Vivi said the majority of road users do not fully understand the Highway Code or the documents required by the traffic department and the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).

Speaking during a road safety sensitization exercise in Makutano town, at the Kirinyaga-Embu border, Vivi singled out the existence of fake driving licenses and stressed the need to educate motorists on the importance of obtaining genuine licenses through accredited driving schools.

“What are the consequences of driving when you are not trained as a driver? You will be endangering your whole life. So, as the traffic department, we want to see to it that our drivers are compliant, that they have driving licenses, and that their vehicles are inspected and well-maintained.” Vivi said, “Because without a well-maintained vehicle, without you attending a driving school, then you don’t qualify to call yourself a driver, according to the Kenyan Traffic Act.”

She challenged all drivers to verify their documents through the NTSA platform and ensure they attend registered driving schools, noting that keeping records of the institution attended may be important whenever drivers are required to provide proof of their training.

“It is your responsibility as a driver, as a citizen, that you confirm with the NTSA, because they have that platform of ascertaining the validity of these documents,” she said.

On drunk driving, Vivi said police are continuing to conduct alcohol tests, particularly because driving under the influence remains a major road safety concern, especially at night.

She also raised concern over the encroachment of road reserves by businesses and urged county governments not to issue licenses and permits to traders operating on road reserves.

“We are not saying we don’t want them to do business, but at least let them not encroach entirely, blocking the roads. We will also liaise with our county governments so that they don’t license them and they don’t issue permits to people so that they encroach on these roads,” she added.

On designated pedestrian crossing points, Vivi said a programme being implemented in Kiambu County, where some pedestrians have been arrested for failing to use designated crossing points, will be extended to other counties.

“Because the festive season is here with us, we need to set ourselves in place early enough so that by the time that comes, everyone is safe. We would not want to continue losing lives,” she said.

Vivi also warned parents against allowing children to ride motorcycles, particularly on highways, without ensuring that they are properly trained and certified.

“We don’t want to be blamed at the traffic department because we are continuously giving this information to our road users so that we can comply and ensure that they are safe. So, for the parents, ensure that you don’t risk your child’s life by giving them boda bodas or whatever before confirming that they are really certified to do so,” she warned.

Samuel Gitundu, a driver, said some motorists have used their driving licenses for more than 10 years only to later be informed by traffic officers that the licenses are fake.

He called for increased public sensitization on how motorists can verify the authenticity of their licenses.

“Sometimes we see police as our enemies, yet they are helping us,” Gitundu said.

He also raised concern over young children riding motorcycles, saying some are injured daily, particularly over weekends, and called on police to take action.

By Mutai Kipng’etich