Motorists are set for tougher traffic rules including alcoblow checks and mandatory vehicle inspections as the State presses on with the plan that imposes harsher penalties for traffic violations.
Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary (CS) Davis Chirchir has now invited public input on the expected impact of the rules, which had earlier faced opposition from entities such as the Kenya Human Rights Commission.
The tough conditions are contained in four proposed regulations—the Traffic (Drink-Driving) Rules 2025, the Traffic (Motor Vehicle Inspection) Rules 2025, the Operation of Commercial Service Vehicles Rules 2025, and the Traffic (School Transport) Rules 2025.
“This is therefore, to request the public and all persons likely to be affected by the proposed rules and regulations to submit written memoranda to reach the undersigned within 14 days from the date of publication of this notice,” Mr Chirchir said in a Gazette Notice dated June 18.
The roll-out of the Traffic (Drink Driving) Rules, 2025 aims to “prescribe legal alcohol limits” for drivers in what will mark a shift from the current practice where the limit is left to the judgement of traffic police officers.
The proposed drink-driving rules also prohibit drivers from operating vehicles while intoxicated beyond the limits that will be prescribed.
To determine the level of intoxication, the State wants a return to alcohol testing using approved breathalysers, blood and urine samples.
The Traffic (Motor Vehicle Inspection) Rules 2025 in its current form will introduce mandatory inspection for motor vehicles over four years old and all commercial, school and public service vehicles.
Though the ministry did not immediately state the inspection fees, owners of private vehicles currently pay Sh1,000 for the services by the National Transport and Safety Authority. There has, however, been a push to raise the charges substantially.
In addition, the motor inspection rules will introduce licensing and regulation of private vehicle testing centres and inspectors where standard stickers will be issued after the process. The rules also provide for pre-registration, post-accident, and change-of-particulars inspections.
The proposed Traffic (School Transport) Rules, 2025 on the other hand wants to establish a licensing framework for school transport providers and vehicles.
The school transport rules prescribe minimum safety standards and vehicle requirements including seat belts, fire extinguishers, and telematics systems--a move that points to increased compliance costs for vehicles that currently lack any of these.
The rules will define qualification standards for school drivers, attendants, and crossing guards and regulate their conduct and responsibilities. If approved in their current form, the school transport rules will also prohibit the use of school transport vehicles for unauthorised private purposes without a temporary licence.
The government also wants to introduce the National Transport and Safety (Operation of Commercial Vehicles) Regulations which will establish licensing requirements for commercial vehicle owners, operators, and drivers.
The commercial vehicle rules will also prescribe safety, inspection, and compliance obligations for commercial vehicles including introducing safety equipment standards such as speed governors, telematics, and underride protection devices.
In addition, the State seeks to regulate the conduct of drivers of commercial vehicles by introducing the maximum working hours and safety training.
