The Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has ordered police officers to remove all roadblocks placed around the country. The directive according to Kindiki should be enforced latest November 1.
Earlier on, President William Ruto observed that the barricades had become catalysts for corruption. Kindiki shared the same sentiments and released the directive on Thursday, August 24 in the morning.
In addition to that the President pointed out that many motorists were losing millions as a result of the bribes they were being forced to pay at the roadblocks.
“The static roadblocks are less effective because people have found ways of circumventing them and evading police officers,” Kindiki stated.
According to Kindiki, his ministry decided to move to mobile patrols and the deployment of surveillance technologies. These would more effectively deal with security challenges in the country and reduce the rate of corruption within the department.
He further ordered the police officers operating on major highways to remain strict but very courteous to motorists on the roads.
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Purpose for the Roadblocks Placement
The intention of the roadblocks was to ensure traffic rules were being observed on the roads. This includes keeping to the speed limits pointed out and the overtaking policies stated in the manuals. Furthermore, the roadblocks were to ensure no unroadworthy vehicles were being used on the road.
Prior to the roadblocks being placed, there had been an influx of road accident cases on the highways. Most of the accidents were caused by unroadworthy vehicles and disregard for the traffic signs put in place.
In addition to curbing corruption within the police department, a directive to increase salaries for the police officers was issued. Lower-ranked police officers receive an increased Ksh 1,000 for their salaries, Ksh 5,500 for superintendents and Ksh 11,000 for the Inspector General.
