NTSA Announces Crackdown on Vehicles Using Illegal Strobe and Flood Lights in Nairobi

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has announced a crackdown targeting vehicles fitted with blinding strobe and flood lights on Nairobi roads, following public complaints over increased danger to other motorists.

The move follows concerns shared on social media showing a vehicle fitted with intense strobe lights, accompanied by a complaint warning that many city matatus have installed similar lights, posing serious safety risks to road users.

In the post addressed to NTSA, the complainant questioned when the authority approved the use of such lights and what remedies were available to affected motorists, further alleging that some police officers routinely allow the vehicles to operate unchecked.

Responding publicly, NTSA said it had escalated the matter to the Nairobi City County for further action, signalling coordinated enforcement against the unlawful modifications.

The development comes amid an existing police directive banning the use of strobe lights, light bars, sirens, and lead or chase cars by unauthorised persons on public roads.

In a circular dated February 16, 2024, the then Deputy Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja Kirocho (now IG) cited rising complaints of intimidation on highways by vehicles using prohibited lighting and sirens.

The directive references Section 34 of the Traffic Act and Rule 83 of the Traffic Rules, which restrict the use of sirens and emergency lights to police, ambulances, and fire engines, while the Order of Precedence Act, 2014, limits such privileges to top state officers, including the President, Deputy President, Speakers, and the Chief Justice.

Police commanderswere instructed to take legal action against any unauthorised use of strobe lights, light bars, sirens, or lead and chase vehicles, and to ensure no driver overlaps or uses the wrong side of the road outside what is permitted by law.

The renewed focus by NTSA and the police is expected to place matatus and private vehicles with unlawful lighting modifications under scrutiny and is only awaiting the communication from the Nairobi County government on its own legislative regulations on the same.

Just a few days ago, Laikipia County moved to crack down on rogue motorists and boda boda operators using modified exhaust systems and illegal vehicle lighting,in a bid to curb noise pollution and improve public safetyin Nanyuki town.

In a public notice issued by the Nanyuki Municipal Board, the county announced that it banned the operation of all motor vehicles and motorcycles fitted with modified exhausts producing sound levels exceeding 84 decibels.

The board directed enforcement teams to begin spot checks, inspections and arrests of offenders within Nanyuki municipality, with impounded vehicles retained until ruled compliant.