Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome has urged motorists to exercise caution during the festive season to curb increasing accidents.

In a statement on Wednesday, the IG expressed concerns over the rising cases of road crashes which he attributed to carelessness by all road users and the El Nino rains experienced in most parts of the country.

He therefore called for adherence to traffic rules for motorists, pedestrians and passengers during the holiday season when many people are expected to be travelling to different parts of the country.

“We have entered into the festive season and from experience, we expect high vehicular traffic on our roads due to increased movements of Kenyans across the country. The vehicular situation this year is further compounded by the ongoing heavy El-Nino rains being experienced in many parts of the Country, which in turn is causing poor visibility on the roads,” he said.

“In most of these eases, we are talking of non-compliance with traffic regulations and rules such as operating defective vehicles, failure to use safety belts by commuters, speeding, driver fatigue, driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, and dangerous overtaking.”

Koome added: “I am appealing to pedestrians, cyclists, boda boda riders, passengers, and drivers to adhere to traffic rules so that we make this festive season safe for, all of us.”

IG Koome said NPS would work with other stakeholders including the NTSA and the EACC to ensure the rule of law is upheld and to curb cases of corruption on roads.

In the same light, Koome ordered an immediate resumption of duties by all the police officers who are currently on leave.

“The National Police Service remains supportive of the ongoing joint efforts with other government agencies including the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to ensure that safety and sanity prevail on our roads. In this regard, I wish to reiterate my past sentiments, that the police has no room for Corrupt Officers,” he noted.

“To further enhance police visibility and security in the Country, we have also directed all Officers who are currently on Leave to resume duty with immediate effect.”

Citing the recent accidents in Machakos and Nakuru Counties which have led to the deaths of 16 people, Koome said road traffic accidents are the "leading cause of injuries and fatalities, with negative financial and health implications of accidents on victims and caregivers and thus the need for caution."

"The National Police Service has the mandate to enforce the traffic laws. However, I wish to emphasize that road safety is our collective responsibility as Kenyans. We must change our behaviour on the roads," he stated.