As Kenya enters the festive season, Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir has called on motorists, passengers, and transport operators to prioritise road safety while travelling to meet family and friends.
The advisory comes ahead of the expected spike in road traffic during Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Chirchir stressed that passengers should board only vehicles licensed and compliant with National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) regulations.
“Choosing a compliant PSV is critical to your safety and that of others on the road,” he said in a statement shared via his official channels.
The CS also reminded drivers and transport operators to maintain roadworthy vehicles and adhere strictly to traffic rules.
He noted that speeding, fatigue, and reckless driving are major contributors to accidents during holiday periods and urged all road users to act responsibly.
Enforcement agencies, including the National Police Service (NPS) and NTSA, have intensified patrols and inspections along major highways to mitigate risks.
Chirchir encouraged members of the public to report dangerous driving, vehicle defects, and other road safety concerns directly to @NPSOfficial_KE and @ntsa_kenya, highlighting that road safety is a shared responsibility.
Historically, Kenya records a significant rise in road accidents between December and January, particularly on key corridors linking Nairobi to coastal and western counties.
In response, the government has in past years launched targeted campaigns, combining public awareness with law enforcement, to reduce fatalities and injuries.
Chirchir’s message aligns with ongoing national efforts to curb road traffic incidents, which remain a leading cause of injury and death in Kenya.
By reinforcing compliance with safety standards, authorities aim to ensure that festive travel is both secure and efficient.
The Transport CS concluded his message by wishing all Kenyans a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, emphasising that cautious driving, vigilance, and adherence to traffic regulations will help families enjoy safe celebrations across the country.