Traffic Police Commandant Samuel Kimaru has said that private car owners should not be harassed by traffic police for not having fire extinguishers, jump starters, first aid kits and tow ropes, saying those are only required for Public Service Vehicles (PSV).

Kimaru was responding to complaints from private car owners, who complained of being harassed by traffic police in the wake of the enforcement of Michuki rules, for lacking the above equipment.

“It is wrong for any police officer to ask a private vehicle owner for a fire extinguisher, first aid kits and towing rope,

The Traffic Commandant asked motorists to report officers who have asked them for the items through hotline number 020-260-381-4.

Police embarked on a massive matatu crackdown following a directive from the ministries of interior and transport so enforce the old Michuki traffic rules as a way of curbing the increasing road carnage.

Matatus are now required among other things to be fitted with safety belts, speed governors, painted the yellow line in the middle and for drivers and the touts to wear uniforms.

The police have also released hotlines that members of the public can use to make complaints, ranging from being overcharged or if the driver is breaking traffic rules or if traffic police ask for bribes.

Members of public/Police Officers can now send compliments/complaints against Police officers anonymously for free by calling 0800721230, sending SMS to 40683 or by dialing *683#.

MAJOR TRAFFIC OFFENCES AND FINES IN KENYA

Here is the new list of minor traffic offences and fines offenders may have to pay if they get caught.

1. Driving a vehicle that does have identification plates affixed or if they’ve been placed incorrectly – Ksh. 10,000
2. Driving on or through a pedestrian walkway or pavement – Ksh. 5,000
3. Causing obstruction on the road with your vehicle in a manner that inconveniences other motorists or prevents flow of traffic – Ksh. 10,000

4.Failure of a driver to obey traffic signs – Ksh. 3,000

5. Failure of a driver to stop when asked to do so by a police officer in uniform – Ksh. 5,000
6. Driving without a valid driving licence that corresponds to the class of the vehicle being driven – Ksh. 7,000

7.Failure to renew a driving licence -Ksh. 1,000

8. Failure to produce a driving license on demand – Ksh. 1,000

9. Driving while using a mobile phone – Ksh. 2,000

10.Learner failing to exhibit ‘L’ plates on front and rear of the vehicle – Ksh. 1,000

12. Failure of a vehicle to carry lifesavers – Ksh. 2,000
13. Failure to display lifesavers in the case where any part of the vehicle remains on the road in a position to obstruct or cause obstruction – Ksh. 3,000
14. Failure of vehicle to have seat belts – Ksh. 10,000 for every seat that doesn’t have a seat belt or if the the seat belts are not of the proper standard.
15. Failure to wear a seat belt while the vehicle is in motion -Ksh. 500
16. Driving a PSV while being unqualified -Ksh. 7,000
17. The driver of the PSV who lets an unauthorized person drive – Ksh. 5,000
18. An unlicensed individual acting as the conductor or driver of the PSV – Ksh. 5,000
19. PSV picking and dropping passengers at areas that are not the designated bus stops – Ksh. 1,000
20. Failure to fit prescribed speed governors in vehicles – Ksh. 10,000
21. Travelling with a part of the body outside a moving vehicle – Ksh. 1,000
22. Touting – Ksh. 3,000
23. Motorcycle rider riding without protective gear -Ksh. 1,000
24. Motorcycle passenger riding without protective gear – Ksh. 1,000
25. Rider of a motorcycle carrying more than one passenger – Ksh. 1,000
26. Failure to keep seat belts in a clean and wearable condition – Ksh. 500

SPEEDING FINES

For speeding, the fines are as follows:

Exceeding the speed limit as prescribed to the class of the vehicle by;

• 1-5 kph: Ksh. 500
• 6-10 kph: Ksh. 3,000
• 11-15 kph: Ksh. 6,000
• 16-20 kph: Ksh. 10,000

Exceeding the speed limit shown on a traffic sign by;

• 1-5 kph: Ksh. 500
• 6-10 kph: Ksh. 3,000
• 11-15 kph: Ksh. 6,000
• 16-20 kph: Ksh. 10,000