The Kenyan government, through the Ministry of Roads and Transport, is signaling a major overhaul of the country's traffic laws. These proposed changes, which include the return of the controversial Alcoblow breathalyzer tests and mandatory annual inspections for a wider range of vehicles, have sparked a vigorous national debate. While authorities say the new rules are essential for improving road safety and curbing the high rate of accidents, many Kenyans are questioning their potential impact on their daily lives and the effectiveness of their enforcement.
The Proposed Policies: A Three-Pronged Approach
The new regulations are centered around three key areas, each designed to address a specific loophole in the current system:
- Return of Alcoblow: The Traffic (Drink Driving) Rules 2025 will re-establish the legal framework for alcohol testing. If adopted, this will allow for the use of approved breathalyzers and other tests to enforce clear alcohol limits. The previous use of Alcoblow was suspended by courts, citing a lack of a proper legal foundation. The proposed rules aim to close this loophole, with new penalties for drivers who refuse to be tested. The government hopes this measure will significantly reduce the number of accidents caused by drunk driving.
- Mandatory Vehicle Inspections: The Traffic (Motor Vehicle Inspection) Rules 2025 will require all private vehicles that are more than four years old to undergo mandatory annual inspections. This marks a major shift, as previously, only commercial and public service vehicles were subjected to regular checks. The goal is to get unroadworthy vehicles off the roads. The new regulations also propose the licensing of private testing centers, which could help ease the burden on government-run facilities.
- Standardizing Road Agencies: In a move to improve governance and accountability, President William Ruto has signed into law the Kenya Roads (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2025. This legislation aims to standardize the terms of office for the Director-Generals of the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), and Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) to a three-year term, renewable once. This aligns with the Mwongozo Code of Governance for State Corporations, with the government hoping to enhance performance and curb mismanagement within these key agencies. Read more on
The Debate: Safety vs. Convenience and Accountability
The public reaction to these proposals has been mixed. On one hand, road safety advocates and a segment of the public welcome the stricter measures, arguing that a more disciplined approach is long overdue given the high number of road fatalities. They see the return of Alcoblow and the mandatory inspections as a necessary step to save lives and enforce a culture of responsibility among motorists.
On the other hand, many Kenyans are wary. The compulsory inspections for private vehicles raise concerns about the potential for corruption and the financial burden on vehicle owners, especially those with older cars. There is a fear that the system could become another source of harassment from traffic police and an opportunity for bribes, undermining the very goal of accountability. The public also questions whether the government is addressing the root causes of road accidents, such as poor road infrastructure and inadequate signage, with the same zeal.
The new Kenya Roads Act, while a positive step toward better governance, also brings into focus the perennial problem of mismanagement and lack of accountability in state corporations. The public's trust in these agencies is low, and while standardizing the terms of office is a start, many believe that a more profound cultural shift is needed to ensure public funds are used efficiently for road maintenance and development.
As these policies move from the proposal stage to potential implementation, the debate will continue. The government’s ability to win public trust will depend not on the strictness of the laws but on the fairness and transparency of their enforcement.
What are your thoughts? Do you believe these new rules will make Kenya's roads safer, or will they create new challenges for motorists? Share your opinion in the comments below.
