On April 6, 2025, Kenya’s Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir announced a significant move to tackle the rising tide of road accidents across the country. The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and the Kenya Police are set to reintroduce Alcoblow checkpoints on major roads nationwide, starting this week. This decision comes as a response to alarming statistics and a renewed commitment to road safety, but it also reignites a long-standing debate about enforcement, accountability, and the effectiveness of such measures.
The reintroduction of breathalyzer tests, popularly known as “Alcoblow,” is driven by a stark reality: road carnage in Kenya remains a persistent crisis. According to NTSA data, 1,139 people lost their lives in road accidents between January 1 and March 31, 2025—nearly matching the 1,166 deaths recorded in the same period the previous year. Just last week, over 24 people died in accidents, with dozens more sustaining serious injuries. A significant portion of these incidents has been linked to drunk driving, a preventable yet pervasive problem on Kenyan roads.
CS Chirchir emphasized the urgency of the situation during a visit to victims of a tragic accident along the Kaplong-Kapkatet road on April 5, which claimed 15 lives. “We did not have to get here,” he lamented, underscoring the need for proactive measures. The deployment of 1,000 breathalyzers across major highways aims to deter motorists from driving under the influence, with stiff penalties awaiting offenders: a fine of up to KSh 100,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both. Convicted drivers will also face a one-year suspension of their licenses.
Alcoblow is no stranger to Kenyan roads—or to controversy. Introduced in 2012 as a tool to curb drunk driving, it quickly became a symbol of both road safety enforcement and systemic challenges. Over the years, the initiative has faced legal battles, public backlash, and accusations of misuse. In 2017, the Court of Appeal ruled that the breathalyzer rules implemented by NTSA were poorly drafted and inconsistent with the Traffic Act, leading to a temporary suspension. Critics, including business owners and motorists, argued that the checkpoints violated personal freedoms and were often exploited by rogue police officers for extortion.
Social media and WhatsApp groups have long been abuzz with tips on evading Alcoblow checkpoints, while some motorists resorted to hiring temporary drivers for as little as KSh 200 to bypass roadblocks. Despite these efforts, the gadget’s presence undeniably raised awareness about the dangers of drunk driving. However, its effectiveness has been hampered by inconsistent enforcement, corruption, and the lack of a robust public transport system to offer alternatives for revelers.
The 2025 rollout comes with a promise of reform. The Traffic (Drink-Driving) Rules, 2025, recently amended by the National Assembly, aim to address past legal loopholes and grant NTSA clearer authority to enforce drunk driving laws. Alongside Alcoblow, new regulations will govern vehicle inspections and the operation of public service vehicles, signaling a broader push for road safety. CS Chirchir has assured the public that the initiative will be intelligence-driven and random, aiming to maximize its impact while minimizing disruptions.
The return of Alcoblow checkpoints is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s a necessary step to address the preventable loss of lives due to drunk driving. The statistics speak for themselves—Kenya cannot afford to lose over 4,000 people annually to road accidents, many of which are linked to alcohol. On the other hand, its success hinges on execution. Rogue officers turning checkpoints into “money machines” could erode public trust, while a lack of measures—like improved public transport—might limit its long-term impact.
For now, the message from NTSA and the Kenya Police is clear: drink and drive at your peril. As breathalyzers light up highways this week, motorists are urged to rethink their choices, not just to avoid penalties but to save lives—theirs and others’. Whether this marks a turning point in Kenya’s road safety journey or another chapter in the Alcoblow saga, only time will tell. One thing is certain: the stakes are too high for half-measures.
