Drunk drivers have been warned by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) as it steps up war against the offense.
In a statement on Thursday, NTSA director general Francis Meja said the agency has acquired 50 new breathalyzers with the support of World Bank.
The gadgets have been distributed across the country and will be unleashed today.
“We intend to use them from tomorrow(Friday) during our random drink driving operation in towns and major highways,” said Meja.
He reminded Kenyans to opt for use of taxis instead of risking their lives by driving while under influence.
He noted 80 per cent of accidents in Kenyan roads are attributed to human factors.
“Alcohol impairs a drivers cognitive ability turning them into a hazard on the road. It impairs vision, judgement, and sensory ability. All being critical aspects of safe driving.”
“These operations are about the enhancement of safe driving including the safety of the drunk driver themselves,” he said.
He said the new and advanced gadgets will enhance the agency’s efforts significantly.
The gadgets give results faster than the older generation and have finger print readers to show a driver’s history.
Despite the Court of Appeal ruling in April that the use of breathalyzers to charge drunken drivers in court is illegal, Meja said the agency will use a different section of the law to charge the drivers.
NTSA will apply Section 44 (1) of the Traffic Act which outlaws anyone from driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
