Gov’t to Reintroduce Breathalyzers to check Drunk Driving

In the wake of a tragic accident that claimed 15 lives in Sotik, Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir has announced a set of tough new measures aimed at curbing rising cases of road accidents in Kenya.

Speaking in Kaplong during a visit to victims of the Saturday crash, Chirchir said the government will reintroduce breathalyzers to tackle the growing problem of drink-driving. He revealed that at least 1,000 breathalyzers will be deployed across the country in a renewed crackdown on motorists who drive under the influence.

“As a country, we are facing a crisis of road discipline. To address this, we are bringing back breathalyzers to help reduce accidents caused by human error,” said Chirchir.

The Cabinet Secretary, who was accompanied by Bomet Governor Prof. Hillary Barchok and Sotik MP Francis Sigei, described the situation as heartbreaking, citing alcohol and recklessness as major contributors to road carnage. He announced that his ministry will soon gazette a series of regulations targeting indiscipline on the roads.

The proposed rules will cover drink-driving, mandatory vehicle inspections, and stricter controls for commercial service vehicles. The reintroduction of the breathalyzer comes years after it was phased out following a court ruling.

Chirchir also urged Kenyans to avoid boarding overloaded vehicles, blaming the Saturday accident on a public service vehicle that was carrying more than 20 passengers. “We must take personal responsibility. Boarding overcrowded vehicles puts lives at risk,” he warned.

As of Sunday morning, the death toll from the Sotik accident had risen to 15 after two more victims succumbed to injuries while receiving treatment. Bomet County Police Commander Edward Imbwaga reported that seven casualties were admitted at Kaplong Hospital, while another seven were being treated at Kapkatet.

Governor Barchok and MP Sigei called on the Ministry of Roads to expand the narrow Kericho-Sotik highway, noting that the accident site is a known black spot in urgent need of climbing lanes.