Head of Public Service Felix Koskei has directed Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome to crackdown on vehicles with illegal sirens, strobe lights and other unauthorized vehicle accessories.
In a letter sent to IG Koome and other government agencies, Koskei raised concerns over the increasing use of strobe lights on government-owned vehicles and even some privately-owned vehicles without the requisite authorization.
According to him, the rising trend of motorists using strobe lights poses security risks and threatens the safety of other road users.
The Head of Public Service also directed accounting officers in government departments including the Judiciary, independent commissions, and Parliament to oversee the removal of all unauthorized accessories.
He referred to the Traffic Act which outlines vehicles allowed to use such equipment to stress that such drivers were in breach of the law.
“It has come to the attention of this office, that there are numerous governments and privately owned vehicles that have been installed with strobe lights, sirens, and related equipment, without lawful authorization and in full breach of the law,” Koskei noted in the letter dated February 15.
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Further in his letter, Koskei advised motorists seeking to have the lights on their vehicles to follow the process outlined in the Traffic Act laws to request permission.
“The process of obtaining approvals for the installation and use of strobe lights, sirens, and associated equipment for vehicles not authorized by the Act is outlined, and individuals wishing to use such equipment may request authorization per the procedure provided,” he added.
Vehicles allowed to use lights and sirens by police
According to the Traffic Act which contains rules governing use of Kenya’s roads, all equipment on vehicles including lights and tyres should comply with the requirements set by the law- including maintenance to ensure the safety of the vehicle and other motorists.
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In Kenya, special vehicles including ambulances, police vehicles, and vehicles used in VIP transport are allowed to use the strobe lights and sirens.
However, the sight of private vehicles displaying strobe lights in the grilles of their vehicles is becoming common on Kenyan roads. Whilst the lights give a special aura and command respect on the roads, increased usage could pose major threats and risk losing meaning.
But this is not the first time the government has moved to enforce the law against use of unauthorized strobe lights.
The government through the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and traffic police has in the past carried out crackdowns targeting motorists with the lights, from private vehicles to PSVs and hearses.
