Alcoblow To Return This Week: CS Chirchir Announces
Per Chirchir's statement on Sunday, April 6, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), in collaboration with the police, will begin setting up breathalyzer checkpoints on major roads nationwide
Marvin Chege 
The infamous alcoblow breathalyser checks featured along all major roads across the country are set to make a comeback this week, Transport Cabinet Secretary, Davis Chirchir, has announced.
Per Chirchir's statement on Sunday, April 6, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), in collaboration with the police, will begin setting up breathalyzer checkpoints on major roads nationwide starting this week, in a renewed effort to tackle the rising number of road accidents.
The Cabinet Secretary further warned that drivers found exceeding the legal alcohol limit will face fines of up to Ksh 100,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both.
Additionally, anyone convicted of drunk driving will face a mandatory one-year suspension from obtaining a driver’s license.
Transport Cabinet Secretary (CS) Davis Chirchir spaking on March 17, 2025. /DAVIS CHIRCHIR
The CS noted that legal amendments passed by the National Assembly have reinstated NTSA’s authority to enforce drunk driving laws. The agency will now operate under the newly introduced Traffic (Drink-Driving) Rules, 2025, following changes to Section 4 of the Traffic Act, CAP 403.
"Previously, these 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," stated Chirchir.
“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 Ksh 100,000 (one hundred thousand) or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to both,” reads part of the new law.
The government will also implement the Traffic (Motor Vehicle Inspection) Rules, 2025, aimed at standardizing the inspection process for both public and private vehicles.
"The Traffic (Motor Vehicle Inspection Centre) Rules, 2025 will regulate inspection of private motor vehicles by private inspection centres and inspection of public service vehicles, school transportation, commercial vehicles and driving school motor vehicles by the National Transport and Safety Authority," the statement continued.
In addition, the Operation of Commercial Service Vehicles Rules, 2025, will be enforced to tighten oversight within the commercial transport sector.
These new regulations introduce more stringent measures for the operation and management of commercial vehicles, particularly those weighing over three tonnes (3,480 kg).
Chirchir also stated that the government will soon establish a clear framework to govern the regulation, management, and operation of school transport and the movement of children.
Speaking after visiting victims of a tragic road accident that occurred on Saturday, April 5, along the Kaplong-Kapkatet road — an incident that claimed 15 lives — the Cabinet Secretary emphasized that the upcoming measures are crucial for protecting the lives of Kenyans.
"Once again, to the affected families, my profound condolences for the loss of your loved ones," he said, adding "We did not have to get here. We will implement these regulations and take stern action to safeguard lives."
In response to the deadly accident, the National Police Service (NPS) confirmed that it has initiated investigations to establish the precise cause of the crash. Preliminary findings indicate that the incident was the result of a head-on collision involving a public service vehicle and a lorry.
The NPS has also called on all road users to exercise heightened caution to help prevent such tragedies in the future.
