Govt Orders Officers To Remove Vehicles Using Illegal Sirens, Strobe Lights

The Head of Public Service and State House Chief of Staff, Felix Koskei, has instructed government officials in offices that include the Judiciary and Parliament to take action on motorists using unauthorized sirens and flashing strobe lights similar to those on police cars.

Koskei had instructed accounting officers in offices including Parliament, Judiciary, county governments and Independent Commissions to see to it that any unauthorized vehicles using the gadgets are taken off Kenyan roads.

He referred to the Traffic Act (Cap 403) and the Rules made thereunder, which authorize police vehicles, fire engines, ambulances and other designated vehicles to make use of sirens and strobe lights for reasons of public safety, security and emergency response.

“Consequently, it is hereby notified that there shall be a crackdown to impound vehicles found to be fitted with sirens, strobe lights and such other unauthorized equipment in breach of the law, and appropriate action is taken,” he announced in a memo to government officials dated February 15.

The Chief of Staff underlined that the process of obtaining approvals for the installation and use of strobe lights, sirens, and associated equipment for vehicles not authorized by the law is outlined.

As such, any individual wishing to use such equipment, or those currently using it and want to maintain their use may request authorization following the procedure provided.

However, Koskei lamented that there are numerous government and privately owned vehicles that have been installed with strobe lights, sirens and related equipment, without lawful authorization and in full breach of the law.

“This is not only causing security risks but is also creating safety concerns to other road users and the general public,” he added.

He told all accounting officers across the government to ensure the contents of his circular are brought to the attention of all institutions and persons under their purview or supervision as well as ensure full implementation and compliance.

Police have been ordered to be ready for the operation which will come after the earlier order had been temporarily stopped via a court order.

The police had announced in 2022 the plans to crack down on those with illegal gadgets on their vehicles, a matter in which a man had moved to court  seeking to overturn an order by the National Police Service (NPS) to seize vehicles equipped with the additional lights.

National Traffic Commandant Mary Omari had indicated that the crackdown would be in line with Section 55 of the Traffic Act, which stipulates provisions for a vehicle's condition on the road.

"No vehicle shall be used on a road unless such vehicle and all parts and equipment thereof, including lights and tyres, comply with the requirements of this Act, and such parts and equipment shall at all times be maintained in such a condition that the driving of the vehicle is not likely to be a danger to other users of the road or persons travelling on the vehicle," reads part of the Act.

According to Section 58 (Sub-Section 1) of the Act, offenders found guilty of contravening Section 55 of the law risk spending two years in jail, a fine of Ksh400,000, or both.

According to police, the LED lights targeted are unlawfully equipped lamps, modified illuminating lights, red lights, opaque rear lights, flashing lights, flickering lights, LED illuminating lights, unauthorised sirens and unauthorised red and blue lights.

A car with flashing lights along a Kenyan road in 2018. /TWITTER.ARCHER MISHALE