- Officers from Eldoret and Kericho who have been caught or mentioned in any report for allegedly collecting bribes have become the first casualties.
- More changes affecting various regions are imminent with senior officers expressing confidence this will help instill professionalism within the service.
Image: FILE
In a move aimed at combating corruption within the traffic department, the National Police Service has started transfering traffic officers.
The transfers come in response to growing concerns about unethical practices that have dogged the unit, undermining public trust.
It follows a recent meeting of all Regional Traffic Enforcement Officers (RTEOs) convened by Deputy Inspector General of Police, Gilbert Masengeli, in Nairobi.
Several officers from Eldoret and Kericho who are alleged to have been caught or mentioned in any report for allegedly collecting bribes have become the first casualties.
For the first time, the officers who are from the Kenya Police Service (KPS) have been moved to Anti-Stock Theft Unit of the Administration Police Service (APS).
“Release the officers to report to the commandant Anti Stock Theft Unit, Gilgil, for further deployment with immediate effect,” a letter addressed to Riff Valley RTEO on behalf of Traffic Commandant reads.
“Ensure that their personal files are forwarded to their new commands without delay. Submit a casualty returns on departure or arrival,” the letter further states.
The changes come in the wake of increased accidents in the country amid calls to address the trend.
Some 3,369 people died from January to September 16, 2024, following road accidents in the country.
Compared to the same period in 2023, some 3,151 people died in road accidents, representing an increae of 218 fatalities this year.
The statistics are the latest figures released by the National Police Service.
More changes affecting various regions are imminent with senior officers expressing confidence this will help instill professionalism within the service.
Deputy Inspector General of Police, Eliud Lagat, last Thursday named former Rift Valley Regional Police Commander, Fredrick Ochieng, as the new traffic commandant.
Some five other heads of provincial traffic formations which include Rift Valley, Eastern and Central were also moved.
For instance, Nairobi’s Vitalis Otieno retired and was replaced by Paul Chirchir.
During the consultative meeting held at the Police Pavilion in South C, Masengeli stressed the need for the public and other road users to adhere to traffic regulations to mitigate further loss of life.
The meeting was aimed at addressing road safety concerns and to tackle corruption within the Traffic Unit.
“We have observed a distressing increase in road traffic accidents nationwide,” Masengeli observed.
He said corruption is one of the biggest contributors to the menace.
“We have many families suffering because of the accidents. We have to be serious to address this issue,” he said.
Masengeli noted that thousands of injured people are nursing wounds in hospitals and homes and need critical care, which is expensive to get.
In light of the developments, there is a renewed focus on improving road safety protocols and ensuring that traffic regulations are enforced more effectively.
The public’s cooperation is seen as essential in reversing the current trend and reducing the number of tragic accidents on the roads, the deputy IG said.
“If you are a pedestrian and you know the place you are crossing is illegal please don’t do it for your safety,” Masengeli stressed.
The traffic department is crucial in ensuring the general safety of the country.