The National Police Service (NPS) has launched a countrywide safety and security operation to ensure public safety during the Easter holiday, which is traditionally marked by increased travel, social gatherings, and heightened tourism activity.
In a statement released on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, NPS Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said the Service has deployed a comprehensive strategy to address the heightened security and safety challenges associated with the holiday season.
“The Easter holiday is traditionally marked by increased travel, social gatherings, and heightened tourism—all of which present unique security and safety challenges,” the statement read.
According to NPS, the ongoing heavy rainfall in various parts of the country has compounded safety risks, particularly on the roads, where poor visibility and flooding are expected to contribute to a rise in traffic accidents.
“Beyond road safety, the Service recognises its duty to uphold law and order and acknowledges that crime rates, particularly petty offences, burglaries, and traffic violations, often increase over the long Easter weekend,” the statement added.
Heightened patrols
To mitigate these risks, NPS has intensified patrols and increased police presence in public spaces including shopping malls, markets, places of worship, bus termini, and other high-traffic areas.
“These measures are complemented by specialised units and undercover officers in our proactive efforts to prevent criminal activities or incidents that may disrupt celebrations,” the statement further reads.
The operation is being carried out in collaboration with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), with the agencies working together to enforce traffic laws and carry out comprehensive checks on vehicles and road users.
“We urge all drivers, pedestrians, boda boda riders, and public service vehicle operators to comply with traffic regulations,” NPS stated adding that cooperation between PSV and boda boda associations and law enforcement will be key in improving discipline and protecting passengers.
NTSA warns motorists
Separately, NTSA Board Chairperson Khatib Mwashetani announced a nationwide crackdown targeting reckless drivers, unroadworthy vehicles, and other traffic violations beginning Wednesday, April 16, 2025.
Speaking in Mombasa on Tuesday, Mwashetani warned that drunk driving and failure to adhere to basic road safety standards would attract strict penalties during the Easter period.
“The chairman of NTSA Kenya will be launching a nationwide crackdown on unroadworthy vehicles, drunk drivers and irresponsible drivers who do not adhere to traffic rules starting tomorrow, Wednesday, April 16, 2025, and throughout the Easter festivities,” Mwashetani stated.
He urged drivers to avoid alcohol, ensure their vehicles are roadworthy, and adhere to traffic laws to help reduce road accidents.
“With human and vehicular traffic expected to triple during this time, the need for a multi-sectoral enforcement approach is evident. To this end, we have resolved to deploy a special task force comprising the NTSA Coast Team, the Administration Police Service (APS), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the Traffic Police, and County Enforcement Officers,” Mwashetani observed.
He emphasized the government’s commitment to curbing traffic-related fatalities during the holiday season, urging Kenyans to be vigilant and responsible on the roads.
“Anyone found drinking and driving will not find themselves in a good situation. Let us be vigilant and drive while sober and adhere to the traffic rules,” he cautioned.