Police urge caution on roads as Easter holiday nears

National Police Service spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga

The National Police Service has issued a warning vowing stern action against motorists found to have engaged in dangerous and reckless driving as schools close for April Easter holiday.

Schools will close for the April holidays on April 4, 2025, and reopen for the second term on April 28, 2025 shortly after Easter.

Police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said public transport providers and other motorists who will put the lives of Kenyans at risk through reckless behaviour will face tough penalties, including cancellation of operating licenses.

“It is the responsibility of each school administration to ensure students are safely delivered home. Drivers of Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) are reminded to be extremely conscious of their duty while ferrying the students at this time,” he said.

In a statement to newsrooms, Nyaga said records reveal that most accidents are caused by preventable human errors, including speeding, dangerous overtaking, drink-driving, overloading and driver fatigue among others.

“We are aware that the Easter holiday is fast approaching with a resultant increased movement and heavy traffic expected on our roads across the country alongside the imminent closure of schools for the holidays,” he noted.

Nyaga said the NPS, in collaboration with all stakeholders, will take proactive and stringent measures to enhance road safety.

He said police have put in place an extensive operation plan to conduct thorough enforcement checks, as he asked for public cooperation to keep the roads safe.

“While the NPS has implemented these measures to ensure road safety, it is important to acknowledge that road safety is a shared responsibility,” he said.

Nyaga called on drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, boda boda riders and passengers to comply with traffic rules and regulations.

He further appealed to owners of PSVs and boda boda associations to collaborate with police officers to improve discipline among their members, enhance customer service and implement safety measures to protect passengers.

“In addition, we urge compliance with the Public Service Vehicles Regulations and other labour laws under Section 5(1) (e) of the NTSA Operation of PSVs Regulations 2014, which require adherence to statutory deductions, insurance, and employment contracts,” he said.

Nyaga noted with concern a rise in pickpocketing incidents in PSVs, mainly attributed to part-time or unauthorised drivers and conductors.

“We call for a collective, firm and decisive response from all stakeholders in the public transport industry to eliminate this problem.”