The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), under the guidance of its Road Safety Manager, Samuel Musumba, has made public their plans to reintroduce the alcoblow, a measure for determining alcohol levels in drivers, to Kenyan roads. This announcement was made during an exclusive interview on the popular radio station, Radio Maisha.
Mr. Musumba elucidated on the historical trajectory of the alcoblow enforcement in Kenya. He stated that NTSA had previously halted the implementation of the alcoblow due to court orders received in both 2017 and 2020. The judiciary had explicitly instructed the agency to formulate specific alcohol concentration benchmarks that would conclusively classify a motorist as inebriated. This was a key condition that needed to be satisfied before the alcoblow could be rolled out again.
Drawing attention to the diligent efforts of the NTSA, Musumba highlighted that the organization had not only devised the draft as directed but also took the commendable step of seeking public opinions on their proposal earlier this year. This proactive engagement with the citizenry is emblematic of a transparent and inclusive decision-making process. Now, with the draft ready and having been presented to the country’s legislators, it’s the Members of Parliament who will shape the future of this regulation by discussing and finalizing the proposed alcohol levels and associated rules.
The proposed Traffic (Drunk Driving) Rules of 2022, as described by Mr. Musumba, outline specific guidelines for different categories of drivers. Drivers operating Public Service Vehicles (PSVs), vehicles providing commercial services, or those entrusted with the transportation of schoolchildren are mandated to maintain an absolute zero alcohol level while behind the wheel. If any trace of alcohol is found in their system, the new regulations advocate for a stringent penalty – a suspension of their driving license for a duration of six months.
On the other hand, individuals driving their personal vehicles will be afforded a bit more leniency. They are allowed a permissible limit of up to 35 microgrammes of alcohol for every 100 millilitres of breath.
Additionally, Musumba touched upon the subject of speed guns. These are tools employed by the traffic police to monitor the speed of vehicles, especially in areas leading to key towns like Naivasha and Eldoret. In a move to increase efficiency and safety, Musumba shared that the NTSA and the police force are deliberating on transitioning from the traditional method of officers hiding in vegetation to capture speeders. Instead, the plan is to set up stationary cameras. This decision was also influenced by some amusing yet potentially dangerous incidents where officers, while hiding, were pursued by snakes.
Under the leadership of Samuel Musumba, NTSA is gearing up to bring back the alcoblow in a more structured and transparent manner, ensuring the safety of all road users in Kenya.