The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has received 45 patrol vehicles and 100 police officers to help in the enforcement of traffic rules.
Transport CS James Macharia said the first batch of officers, who will report to NTSA, had been approved by the Interior ministry.
“The police officers will work under NTSA to beef up enforcement operations as we endeavour to contain fatalities on Kenyan roads,” he said.
Macharia observed that Thika road is one of the major problematic areas for law enforcers, citing low compliance to traffic rules by Public Service Vehicles (PSV). Consequently, he said three patrol cars will be positioned on the highway.
“We have to ensure that matatus that stop anywhere are stopped by all means,” he said.
The vehicles will have a breathalyser, speed checking instruments, and a document verification device for, among others, authenticating drivers’ and road licences and inspection stickers.
“The new technology can liaison with a control room and give feedback on fake driving licences, road licences and other road documents,” said NTSA Director-General Francis Meja.
NTSA Chairman Lee Kinyanjui also said five ambulances will be stationed at accident-prone spots for quick response.
“Our biggest issue has been recovery when there is an accident. The average response time has not been the best and that is what we are trying to deal with,” he said.
At the same time, Macharia said all bumps and pedestrian crossings along Thika Superhighway will be removed and footbridges erected within the next six months to reduce road carnage.
The project will cost Sh300 million.
Macharia said reckless matatu drivers have turned bumps and pedestrian crossings into passenger pick-up and drop-off points leading to accidents.
"These matatus have to be stopped by all means. Common sense dictates that you keep left while on the road, but you see a driver on the inner lane and wonder where they took their driving lessons," he said.