IG Japhet Koome Directs All Police Officers On Leave To Report Back To Work With Immediate Effect

• Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome said there was a need to heighten security following an increase in road traffic
• Koome said the increase resulted from mass movements of people across the country and heavy El Nino rains in most regions
• He urged all Kenyans commuting, including drivers, to be vigilant on roads and ensure they adhere to traffic regulations and rules

Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

The Inspector General of the National Police Service, Japhet Koome, has instructed all officers on leave to resume work with immediate effect owing to increased traffic.

Koome noted that the increase in numbers was due to the festive season, which led to a high movement of people, as well as the heavy downpours currently being experienced in most regions.

"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 causes poor visibility on the roads," he said.

Koome directed:

"To increase police visibility and security in the country, we have directed all officers who are currently on leave to resume duty with immediate effect.

Why does Koome want travellers to be vigilant?

He further advised Kenyans, including cyclists, boda boda operators, passengers, pedestrians, and drivers, to be extra vigilant by observing all the traffic rules.

According to Koome, most traffic fatalities occur due to the negligence of those in transit.

"Regrettably, most road traffic accidents and crashes in the country are due to preventable human factors such as noncompliance with traffic regulations and rules, including driver fatigue, speeding, dangerous overtaking, driving under the influence of alcohol, operating defective vehicles, and failure to use safety belts," he added.

Traffic fatalities have reduced, says Murkomen

On December 18, Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said that the country had lost 3,999 people in road accidents from January 1 to December 7, 2023.

Murkomen said the figures dropped compared to the same period in 2022, urging commuters and other road users to observe traffic rules to avoid a surge in death cases.

"Over the last year, our collective effort has reduced road traffic fatalities. From January 1st to December 7th, 2023, we witnessed a commendable 8.11% decrease in lives lost due to road traffic injuries compared with the same period last year—down from 4,352 to 3,999," he said.