More alcoblow arrests conducted to rein in drunk driving

A motorist takes an alcoblow test during a crackdown at Nyali bridge in Mombasa on October 13, 2014. At least 80 people in Nairobi were arrested for driving while drunk at the weekend. FILE PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • On Friday, the IG said more traffic police officers, with breathalysers, will be deployed on Kenyan roads for the duration of the festive season.

  • By October 21, NTSA data indicates, 2,495 people had died on roads, 243 more than the same period last year.

  • Travel firms are also aiming at reaping the most from the many Kenyans who will be criss-crossing the country.

  • The ERC on Friday offered some good news by announcing a drop in the cost of petrol per litre by Sh4.57 up to January 14 while diesel will go down by Sh0.5.

At least 80 people in Nairobi are having a weekend to forget after they were arrested for driving while drunk.

The arrests follow a crackdown that began on Friday, where police are testing inebriation levels in motorists on both night and day, not just at night as has been the case.

Inspector-General of Police Joseph Boinnet on Saturday said among the 80 are high-profile individuals.

On Friday, the IG said more traffic police officers, with breathalysers, will be deployed on Kenyan roads for the duration of the festive season.

“The alcohol testing will go a long way in ensuring the number of road fatalities is reduced during this festive season,” said Mr Boinnet.

STRICT COMPLIANCE

“People have got used to finding officers at late hours of the night — 10pm or 11pm — then by 2am or 3am, they have gone. Not any more,” he added.

The arrests follow an announcement last week by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) that it has suspended 210 driver’s licences since November following a crackdown to ensure strict compliance of traffic rules.

“The drivers will be required to undergo refresher training and re-testing before being allowed to drive again,” NTSA director-general Francis Meja said in a statement. “We shall intensify efforts to weed out drivers failing to observe traffic laws by revoking their licences.”

By October 21, NTSA data indicates, 2,495 people had died on roads, 243 more than the same period last year.

Safety agencies are among the many entities that have made grand plans for the festive season.

CHRISTMAS

Many others, including shopping outlets, travel firms and churches, have also made plans for the festivities — with Christmas just over a week away.

Kenyan retailers, for instance, have Christmas shopping deals everywhere you look.

The umbrella body for supermarket owners says its members have upped security checks to cater for the expected large numbers of shoppers.

Mr Willy Kimani, the chairman of the Retail Traders’ Association of Kenya (Retrak), told the Nation there will be an increase in surveillance inside supermarkets.

“There are floor walkers who move around like customers checking on any unconventional behaviour that points out to shoplifting. We are also using our CCTV better to look out for any suspicious activity,” Mr Kimani, also the CEO of Naivas Supermarkets, told the Nation.

Travel firms are also aiming at reaping the most from the many Kenyans who will be criss-crossing the country.

PASSENGER TRAINS

Among them is the passenger train service between Mombasa and Nairobi, which aims to increase capacity to facilitate Christmas travel.

Kenya Railways acting managing director Philip Mainga said earlier this month that as from December 24, the corporation will increase the number of coaches for passenger trains from nine to 14.

“We will be adding five more coaches starting December 24 to December 27 to accommodate more passengers during the festive season,” he said.

Various bus companies are also positioning themselves for optimum revenues during the Christmas season. However, there is remarkable lack of promotional offers from the major players in the transport industry, which signals high demand.

COST OF PETROL

For those travelling using private means, the Energy Regulatory Commission on Friday offered some good news by announcing a drop in the cost of petrol per litre by Sh4.57 up to January 14 while diesel will go down by Sh0.5.

Petroleum Cabinet Secretary John Munyes earlier in the month announced that the government has enough fuel to last the entire festive season.