Government to Deploy 1,000 Alcoblows in New War on Drunk Driving

In a bold move to curb the rising cases of drunk driving and road carnage, the Kenyan government will deploy at least 1,000 breathalysers—commonly known as alcoblows—across major roads. This follows a deadly weekend accident in Bomet County that claimed 15 lives at Dajara Sita along the Kaplong-Kapkatet Road.

Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, who visited survivors at Kaplong Hospital, condemned the incident as “unacceptable” and vowed swift reforms. “It is unacceptable that innocent Kenyans going about their business using public transport are put to such pains and anguish by irresponsible and careless drivers—some who imagine they can drink and drive,” he said.

The tragedy comes alongside other horrific accidents, including a fatal crash at Kimalany Bridge involving a school bus and a matatu, and another deadly collision at Mlima ya Sondu that killed three schoolchildren and a teacher. Several others remain hospitalized.

To prevent such tragedies, CS Chirchir announced the rollout of comprehensive traffic regulations, notably the Traffic (Drink-Driving) Rules, 2025. These new rules aim to finally enforce strict legal penalties for drunk driving—filling the gap left when the 2011 Breathalyzer Rules were nullified by a court.

Now, operating a vehicle while intoxicated is officially a criminal offence under the updated Traffic Act Cap 403. Offenders risk a Sh100,000 fine, up to two years in jail, or both. Additionally, anyone convicted will be barred from holding a driving license for at least a year.

“With this, we will be putting up to 1,000 breathalysers on our roads to curtail those of us who cannot control their drinking when they know they will be on the roads,” Chirchir emphasized.

Alongside anti-drunk-driving rules, the Ministry is introducing more sweeping measures:

• Traffic (Motor Vehicle Inspection) Rules, 2025: All private vehicles must be inspected at licensed private centres, while NTSA will oversee inspections of PSVs, school vans, commercial vehicles, and driving school cars.
• Operation of Commercial Service Vehicles Rules, 2025: These will regulate management and operations of heavy commercial vehicles exceeding 3,048 kg.
• Traffic (School Transport) Rules, 2025: This framework aims to ensure safe and regulated transportation of school children.

Chirchir acknowledged that earlier versions of these regulations were gazetted without full parliamentary consultation but noted that the oversight has been rectified. “I signed and submitted the new regulations for re-gazettement in March 2025. They will be published this week, and implementation will be immediate,” he confirmed.

The Ministry now hopes that these legal instruments will drastically improve road safety and restore public confidence in Kenya’s transport system.

In other news:Safaricom to Conduct Scheduled System Maintenance on April 7

Government to Deploy 1,000 Alcoblows in New War on Drunk Driving