EFFECTS OF TRAFFIC LAW ENFORCEMENT ON REDUCTION OF ROAD

ACCIDENTS IN KENYA: THE CASE OF SALGAA-MAU SUMMIT HIGHWAY

CHRIS ODHIAMBO OTIENO

C153/OL/NKU/38488/2017

A RESEARCH REPORT SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF LAW, ARTS AND

SOCIAL SCIENCES, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC POLICY AND

ADMINISTRATION IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS

FOR THE CONFERMENT OF MASTER’S IN PUBLIC POLICY AND

ADMINISTRATION OF KENYATTA UNIVERSITY

NOVEMBER, 2022
 DECLARATION

This is my original work and has not been presented for examination in any University.

Signature…………………………………Date……………………………………

Chris Odhiambo Otieno

C153/OL/NKU/38488/2017

This Research report has been submitted for examination with my approval as the

University Supervisor.

Signature………………………………Date………………………………………

Dr. Edna Jemutai Moi

Kenyatta University

ii
 DEDICATION

I dedicate this work to my loving family and wonderful circle of friends who have been

my pillar of strength and source of inspiration. Thank you for your continuous support,

encouragement and moral support.

iii
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

My sincere gratitude to the Almighty God. His unlimited graces were sufficient to see me

carry through the process of developing this report. To my supervisor Dr. Edna Jemutai

Moi, I sincerely appreciate your supervision and direction during the entire process. I am

also thankful to my family, all my friends and colleagues for their continuous support.

Thank you all.

iv
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION ...................................................................................................................... ii

DEDICATION ......................................................................................................................... iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ....................................................................................................... iv

TABLE OF CONTENTS .......................................................................................................... v

LIST OF TABLES ................................................................................................................... ix

LIST OF FIGURES .................................................................................................................. x

ABBREVIATION AND ACRONYMS ................................................................................... xi

OPERATIONAL DEFINITION OF TERMS ........................................................................ xii

ABSTRACT ........................................................................................................................... xiii

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................... 1

1.1 Background to the Study ................................................................................................... 1

1.2 Statement of Research Problem ......................................................................................... 4

1.3 Research objectives ........................................................................................................... 5

1.4 Justification of the Study ................................................................................................... 5

1.5 Significance of the Study ................................................................................................... 6

1.6 Scope of the Study............................................................................................................. 7

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW .......................................................................... 8

2.1 Introduction....................................................................................................................... 8

2.2 Literature Review .............................................................................................................. 8

2.2.1 Compliance with Road Safety Regulations and Reduction of Road Accidents ............. 8

2.2.2 Motor Vehicle Inspections and certification and the Reduction of Road Accidents .... 11

2.2.3 Police Road Block Checks and the Reduction of Road Accidents .............................. 13

2.2.4 Penalties Enforcement and the Reduction of Road Accidents .................................... 15

2.3 Research Gaps ................................................................................................................. 19

2.4 Theoretical Framework.................................................................................................... 21

2.4.1 The Deterrence Theory ............................................................................................. 21

v
 2.4.2 The Systems Theory ................................................................................................. 22

2.5 Conceptual Framework.................................................................................................... 23

CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ........................................................ 25

3.1 Introduction..................................................................................................................... 25

3.2 Research Design .............................................................................................................. 25

3.3 Target Population ............................................................................................................ 25

3.4 Sampling Size and Procedure .......................................................................................... 26

3.4.1 Sampling Size........................................................................................................... 26

3.4.2 Sampling Procedure .................................................................................................. 27

3.5 Methods of Data Collection ............................................................................................. 27

3.5.1 Instruments of Data Collection .................................................................................. 28

3.5.2 Data collection procedures ........................................................................................ 28

3.6 Pilot Study ...................................................................................................................... 28

3.7 Validity of Research Instruments ..................................................................................... 29

3.8 Reliability of Research Instruments ................................................................................. 29

3.9 Data Analysis Methods .................................................................................................... 30

3.10 Ethical issues ................................................................................................................. 31

CHAPTER FOUR: DATA ANALYSIS, PRESENTATION AND INTERPRETATION OF

RESULTS................................................................................................................................ 32

4.1 Introduction..................................................................................................................... 32

4.2 Response Rate ................................................................................................................. 32

4.3 Respondents Demographic Information ........................................................................... 32

4.3.1 Respondents Gender ................................................................................................. 32

4.3.2 Age of the Respondents ............................................................................................ 33

4.3.3 Respondents Work Experience ................................................................................. 34

4.4 Compliance with Road Safety Regulations ...................................................................... 35

4.4.1 Awareness of Road Safety Regulations ..................................................................... 36

vi
 4.4.2 Compliance with Safety Regulations ......................................................................... 37

4.5 Motor Vehicle Inspections and Certification .................................................................... 40

4.5.1 Mechanical Conditions of the Vehicles ..................................................................... 41

4.5.4 General Road Worthiness of the Vehicle ................................................................... 43

4.6 Road Block Checks ......................................................................................................... 45

4.6.1 Compliance Checks .................................................................................................. 46

4.6.2 Arrest and Prosecution of Offenders ......................................................................... 48

4.7 Enforcement of Penalties on Traffic Offenders ................................................................ 49

4.8 Road Accidents along the Salgaa- Mau Summit Highway ................................................ 53

4.9 Regression Analysis ........................................................................................................ 54

4.9.1 Model Summary ....................................................................................................... 54

4.10.2 Analysis of Variance............................................................................................... 55

4.10.3 Co-Efficient of Correlation ..................................................................................... 55

CHAPTER FIVE .................................................................................................................... 58

SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMEDATIONS............ 58

5.1 Introduction..................................................................................................................... 58

5.2 Summary of the Findings................................................................................................. 58

5.2.1 Effect of Compliance with Road Safety Regulations on Reduction of Road

Accidents .......................................................................................................................... 58

5.2.2 Effect of Motor Vehicle Inspection and Certification on Reduction of Road

Accidents .......................................................................................................................... 59

5.2.3 Effect of Road Block Checks on Reduction of Road Accidents ................................. 60

5.2.4 Effect of Enforcement of Penalties on Reduction of Road Accidents ......................... 61

5.3 Conclusions of the Study ................................................................................................. 62

5.4 Recommendations of the Study ....................................................................................... 63

5.5 Recommendations for Further Research........................................................................... 63

REFERENCES ....................................................................................................................... 64

vii
APPENDICES ......................................................................................................................... 68

Appendix I: Letter of Introduction ......................................................................................... 68

Appendix II: Questionnaire ................................................................................................... 69

Appendix III: Interview Schedule for Senior Officers ............................................................ 73

Appendix IV: NACOSTI Research Permit............................................................................. 74

Appendix V: Research Authorization .................................................................................... 75

............................................................................................................................................. 75

viii
 LIST OF TABLES

Table 2.1: Research Gaps .............................................................................................. 19

Table 3.1: Target Population .......................................................................................... 26
Table 3.2: Sample Size .................................................................................................. 27
Table 3.3 Reliability Statistics ....................................................................................... 30
Table 4.1: Response Return Rate ................................................................................... 32
Table 4.2: Gender of the Respondents............................................................................ 33
Table 4.3: Age of the Respondents................................................................................. 33
Table 4.4: Respondents Work Experience ...................................................................... 34
Table 4.5: Compliance with Road Safety Regulations .................................................... 35
Table 4.6: Motor Vehicle Inspection and Certification ................................................... 40
Table 4.7: Road Block Checks ....................................................................................... 45
Table 4.8: Enforcement of Penalties on Traffic Offenders .............................................. 50
Table 4.8: Traffic Offence Fines .................................................................................... 52
Table 4.10: Model Summary ......................................................................................... 54
Table 4.11: Analysis of Variance ................................................................................... 55
Table 4.12: Coefficients of Correlation .......................................................................... 56

ix
 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 2.1: Conceptual Framework ................................................................................ 24

Figure 4.1: Road Accidents along the Salgaa- Mau Summit Highway ............................ 53

x
 ABBREVIATION AND ACRONYMS

BAC Blood Alcohol Concentration

CDC Centre for Disease Control

FHWA Federal Highway Administration

GDP Gross Domestic Product

GoK Government of Kenya

KII Key Informant Interview

VIC Vehicle Inspection Centre

NTSA National Transport and Safety Authority

KeNHA Kenya National Highways Authority

PSV Public Service Vehicles

PWC Price Waterhouse Coopers

SACCOS Savings and Credit Co-operative Societies

UN United Nations

USA United States of America

WHO World Health Organization

SDGs Sustainable Development Goals

NACOSTI National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation

NTCTTCA Northern Corridor Transit and Transport Coordination Authority

xi
 OPERATIONAL DEFINITION OF TERMS

Road Safety Regulations – refers to rules enacted by the government aimed at enhancing
road safety and reducing road accidents including maintaining required speed limit; use of
safety belts; prohibition of using mobile phones while driving; wearing uniforms;
requirement for drivers of PSVs and conductors to display badges; and maintaining legal
alcohol limits.

Compliance – refers to obedience of road safety rules and regulations

Motor Vehicle Inspection – refers to checks conducted by NTSA motor vehicle inspectors

to determine suitability and safety of vehicles. Inspection metrics include electrical and

vehicle lighting system; state of the tires, wheels and axles; condition of vehicle body,

undercarriage and seatbelts; roadworthiness of the vehicle; and the braking system.

Roadblock checks - refers to stops mounted by police and NTSA officers in different

sections of the road to enforce and ensure compliance with road safety regulations

Penalties – refers to measures instituted by the government aimed at deterring violations

of traffic laws through the imposition of heavy fines; suspension of driving license and the

PSV SACCO license; and arrest and imprisonment of people violating road safety

regulations

Public Service Vehicles- refers to the vehicles used by the public for transportation

commonly known as Matatu in Kenya.

xii
 ABSTRACT
Despite efforts by the Kenyan government to enhance road safety, Kenya ranks among the
top countries with high road fatality rates. Therefore, this study examined the effects of
enforcement of road traffic laws on the reduction of road accidents in Kenya along the
Salgaa- Mau Summit Highway in Nakuru County. The specific objectives of this study
were: To examine the effects of compliance with road safety regulations on reduction of
road accidents; to examine the effects of motor vehicle inspections on reduction of road
accidents; to establish the effects of roadblock checks on reduction of road accidents; and
to evaluate the effects of penalties enforcement on reduction of road accidents. This study
was grounded on the Systems Theory and the Deterrence Theory. The study used a
descriptive research design. A sample size of 103 respondents was selected using stratified
and simple random sampling from a population of 302 respondents. 4 senior officers from
traffic police and NTSA were selected using purposive sampling. Questionnaires were used
to collect data from traffic police officers, drivers and NTSA officers while interviews were
used to collect data from the Regional Manager NTSA, County and the sub-county Police
Commanders. The SPSS software was used to analyse and generate descriptive and
inferential statistics. Qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis. This study
established that enforcement of traffic laws has a significant effect on reduction of road
accidents as it accounts for 54.2% variation in road accidents. Results of regression analysis
established that Compliance with Road Safety Regulations has a significant effect on
reduction of road accidents (β1= -0.767; p=0.001). Motor Vehicle Inspection has a
significant effect on reduction of road accidents (β2= -0.485; p=0.000). Roadblock Checks
has a significant effect on reduction of road accidents (β3= -0.526; P=0.001). Even though
enforcement of penalties has a significant effect on road accidents (β4=0.266; P=0.000), it
does not contribute to reduction of road accidents. The study found out that compliance
with road safety regulation increases level of alertness of drivers and pedestrians; enhance
drivers’ ability to focus while driving, reduces cases of reckless driving and over speeding;
and minimize cases of careless overtaking on the continuous yellow line. However,
disregard of road safety regulations by drivers and low level of awareness on road safety
among hawkers and pedestrian has increased accidents risks on the Salgaa-Mau Summit
Highway. The annual mandatory motor vehicle inspection ensures that vehicles operating
along the Highway are in good mechanical condition; fully functional; and meet all the
safety requirements reducing the risk being involved in accidents. However, bribing of
traffic police conducting roadside inspections has allowed un-roadworthy motor vehicles
on the highway. The study also found out that police manning roadblocks along the Salgaa-
Mau Summit Highway mitigate risks of accidents by identifying and detaining drunk and
over speeding drivers, identifying non-compliant vehicles and increasing compliance with
traffic laws. However, the definitiveness of the police roadblocks has encouraged reckless
driving outside the monitored zone and compliance in areas where police are present.
Further, leniency of penalties has rendered enforcement of penalties ineffective in deterring
violation of safety regulations and subsequent reduction of accidents. Therefore, this study
recommends: NTSA conducts awareness campaigns to sensitize Salgaa-Mau Summit
Highway Road users on road safety; KeNHA expands the Highway; elongates the runaway
ramps; erect footbridges in populated sections; and put up lighting along the highway;
NTSA and Traffic police officers increase the number of random checks and the Traffic
Act 2016 be amended to impose severe penalties and fines.

xiii
 CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

The effects of road accidents have been a major concern of policy makers across the globe.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that road accidents cause the death of
up to 1.25 million people in the world with people suffering from non-fatal injuries
estimated to be up to 50 million people. Low- and middle-income countries are the most
affected with a double fatality rate to that of high-income countries and 90% of global road
accident deaths (WHO, 2015). It is estimated that road accidents associated costs add up
to $242 billion per year in addition to the loss of the economically active population as
road accidents are the primary cause of deaths among youths aged between 15-29 years
(Blincoe et al., 2015).

Globally it is estimated that road accidents lead to the loss of up to 3% of the world’s GDP
with low-income countries loosing up to 5% of their GDP (WHO, 2016). The Decade of
Action for Road Safety 2011–2020 was adopted by the UN General Assembly to promote
road safety and reduce fatalities caused by road accidents. This is a global framework that
provides guidelines on the actions to be taken at the national level to promote road safety
and the mechanisms for coordination at the international level. In addition to this, UN
member countries adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015. SDG 3
seeks to reduce road accidents fatalities and injuries by 50% by 2020. SDG 11 seeks to
ensure that all people can access safe sustainable and affordable transport system.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in the USA, introduced several road safety
measures to curb road accidents. The counter measures fall into 4 categories: Education,
Enforcement, Engineering and access to Emergency Health Services which has been
adopted across the globe. Enforcement of traffic laws is one of the strategies employed to
attain road safety through deterrence of road users from committing traffic offences;
apprehension and subsequent punishment of those in violation of the laws. The World
Health Organization recommends the establishment and enforcement of laws at the
national, city and local level in key areas: Speeding laws where speed limits are set on

1
various sections of high risk roads; Anti-drunk driving laws where the Blood and Breath
Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level is limited; Seat belt laws making it mandatory to wear
safety belts in both private and public vehicles; Motorcycle regulation laws requiring both
the rider and passenger to use protective gears while riding; Child restraints laws restricting
children under a certain age-height from sitting in front seat; Laws to reduce destructed
and drug driving. Effective implementation of recommendations by the World Health
Organization laws on enforcement of road safety rules has led to a death rate of 10.4% per
100 000 people in the US which is way below the world’s rate of 17.4% per 100 000 people
(WHO, 2016).

Despite the low motorization levels, African countries contribute to more than 90% of road
traffic fatalities in the globe (WHO, 2016). The global rate of death due to road accidents
is estimated to be 17.4% per 100 000 people; that for high income countries is estimated to
be 9.2% while that of low income countries is estimated to be 24.1% per 100 000 people
(WHO, 2016). Available literature shows that most African countries have legislative and
policy frameworks guiding road safety as recommended by World Health Organization;
however numbers of road accidents are still high in these countries. This can be attributed
to a number of factors such as poor enforcement of road safety rules, corrupt and
incompetent law enforcement officers, drunk and distracted driving and disregard of road
safety rules. Despite having agencies charged with coordinating road safety issues with
robust safety rules, fatality rates remain high in Africa. For instance, Algeria has complied
with all the recommendations by the WHO on road safety with the National Centre for
Prevention and Road Safety as the agency responsible for road safety. However, the death
rate due to accidents is estimated to be 23.8%; in South Africa the Road Traffic
Management Corporation is the agency responsible for road safety and the country has a
death rate of 25.1%; and in Rwanda the National Road Safety Committee is the lead agency
on road safety with a death rate of 32.1% (WHO, 2016).

Currently, the National Transport and Safety Authority is the lead agency in coordinating
road safety issues and enforcement of traffic rules in Kenya. The NTSA is responsible for
conducting motor vehicle inspections and certification, developing road safety policies and

2
strategies, implementing road safety policies, conducting public education on road safety,
conducting road safety audits, regulation of training and licensing of drivers among other
functions (NTSA Act, 2012). The National Police Service through the Traffic Department
is responsible for ensuring free flow of traffic, preventing and investigating road accidents
through the enforcement of traffic laws (GoK, 2011).

Over the years the government of Kenya has implemented numerous policies aimed at
reducing road accidents and enhancing road safety. The most significant steps were made
in 2003 through Legal Notice No.161 issued by the then Minister of Transport the late John
Michuki. The legal notice required heavy commercial Public Service Vehicles to be fit with
speed governors, to a limit of 80Km/h; public, private and commercial vehicles to be fit
with safety belts; drivers of PSVs and conductors to display badges and wear uniforms;
painting of yellow bands on PSVs for identification and indication of their route lines; the
retesting of PSV drivers after every two years; and the display of photographs by drivers
together with the particulars of the drivers identity. The vehicles were to be inspected and
certified by the motor vehicle inspection unit (GoK, 2003).

In addition to the legislative strategies, the government has undertaken other measures
including random checks for compliance; road safety awareness creation; and punitive
measures (National Road Safety Action Plan 2005-2010). The Action Plan seeks to reduce
road accident related injuries and deaths by 50% by 2020. Despite implementing these
strategies, road accidents and related mortalities are still high in the country. Kenya is
among the top countries in the world with a road accident death rate of 29.1% for every
100000 people. Statistics on the status of road safety by the NTSA show a rising trend in
road fatalities with 3,337 absolute fatalities in the year 2018/2019 as compared to 3,567
fatalities in 2019/2020 contributing to an increase of 6.9% (NTSA, 2020). It is on the basis
of this back drop that the study sought to examine effectiveness of traffic law enforcement
on reduction of accidents at the Salgaa-Mau Summit junction stretch along the Nakuru-
Eldoret highway a notorious road accident black spots in the country.

3
1.2 Statement of Research Problem

Over the years, the Kenyan government has undertaken a raft of policy strategies aimed at
enhancing road safety and reducing road fatalities (GoK, 2003; NTSA, 2016; GoK, 2010).
The road safety measures are in line with international standards recommended by the
World Health Organization and proven to be effective in reduction of road fatalities (PWC,
2017; WHO, 2016). However more than a decade later, no significant improvements have
been realized towards the attainment of realization of SDG 3 and the Road Safety Action
Plan which sought to reduce road accident injuries and deaths by 50% by 2020. Road
fatalities in the country are still high with Kenya ranking among the top countries with high
death rates per 100,000 people at 29.1% above the world’s rate of 24.1% (WHO, 2016).
Statistics on the status of road safety in the country have shown a rising trend of road
fatality rates over the years (NTSA, 2020). As at of December 2019 the country has
recorded a total of 3572 deaths tolls, 6938 severe injuries and 5186 minor injuries
compared to 1,521 fatalities, 2,123 serious injuries and 2,108 slight injuries in 2018
(NTSA, 2020; Muguro et al, 2020). The rising number of road fatalities can be attributed
to the inability to effectively enforce road safety regulations by responsible agencies,
corruption and disregard of such laws by road users (Ndungu et al, 2015). Additionally
NTSA’s road accident reduction strategies lack sound road safety implementation
mechanisms (Mogire, 2017).

The Salgaa-Mau Summit junction stretch along the Nakuru-Eldoret highway is part of the
Northern Corridor which connects Kenya to other East African Countries. The 20.7km
stretch has become synonymous with motor vehicle accidents where hundreds of lives have
been lost on the road despite the presence of police road block checks on the road (Kahenda
& Chepkwony, 2019). According to a multi-agency report, the section of the Northern
Corridor covering the 20.7km stretch of Road from Sobea-Salgaa-Sachangwan-Kibunja-
Mau Summit was identified to have the highest road traffic accident location in Kenya
based on collision statistics studied over a 6year period from 2011 to 2016 (NTCTTCA,
2020). During the said period the stretch recorded the highest number of road accidents in
Kenya at a frequency of 152 crash incidences translating to an average of an accident per
7.34KM which is the highest ratio in the Country (NTCTTCA, 2020). The main causes of

4
accidents along the stretch could be averted with proper enforcement of road safety
measures (Matara & Mwangi, 2019).
Therefore this study sought to examine effects of traffic law enforcement on reduction of
road accidents at the Salgaa-Mau Summit junction stretch along the Nakuru-Eldoret
highway. The study examined compliance with road safety regulations, and the impact of
enforcement strategies such as motor vehicle inspections and certification, road block
checks and enforcement of penalties on reduction of road accidents along the stretch.

1.3 Research objectives

1. To examine the effect of compliance with road safety regulations on reduction of

road accidents.
2. To examine the effect of motor vehicle inspection and certification on reduction of
road accidents.
3. To establish the effect of police road block checks on reduction of road accidents.
4. To evaluate the effect of penalties enforcement on reduction of road accidents.

1.4 Justification of the Study

Road accidents are among the leading causes of death in the country. Despite legislative
enactments, establishment of government agencies responsible for coordinating road safety
issues and the institution of various policies to enforce road safety regulations, road
fatalities are still high in the country. Kenya is among countries with the highest fatality
rates in the world and has not been able to realize its plan of reducing accidents by half by
2020 as specified in the Road Safety Action Plan.
This points out to ineffective implementation of traffic regulations by the responsible
agencies in the country which could have reduced the risk of road fatalities. Police and
NTSA roadblocks have been mounted in different parts of the country to ensure compliance
with road safety rules; motor vehicles inspected and certified by NTSA; and punitive
measures on those violating traffic rules legislated. However road fatalities remain high in
the country which points to the possibility that the traffic laws are not being enforced as
they ought to be. This calls for the investigation into the effectiveness of the enforcement
policies in the reduction of road accidents.

5
The Salgaa-Mau Summit stretch along the Nakuru-Eldoret highway provides a unique area
to conduct the study as the area is well known for high rates of road fatalities despite the
presence of law enforcement agencies being deployed along the road to reduce the
accidents. The area is a top black spot accident scene in the country hence findings from
this study would shade light into the possible inadequacies in the enforcement and provide
suggestions on measures to be instituted to enhance road safety and reduce fatalities. This
will enable the government to take steps toward realization of its goals under National Road
Safety Action Plan 2005-2010 and attainment of Sustainable Development Goals.

1.5 Significance of the Study

The findings of the study may be beneficial to several users including the government,
NTSA, National Police Service, road users including motorists and passengers and other
researchers. Findings from this study may help to shed light on the effectiveness of the
strategies instituted by the NTSA and the traffic police in enforcement of traffic regulations
aimed at reducing road accidents. The study pointed out to possible loopholes and made
suggestions on how the strategies can be enhanced. The findings may also form the basis
of evaluating the realization of NTSA and traffic police mandate in enhancing road safety
in the country. Suggestions from the study may also enable the government through the
ministry of transport and concerned agencies to put in place measures aimed at enhancing
road safety and reducing accidents towards realization of SDG3 hence obtain better ranking
on the world sphere on road fatalities.

Road users such as motorists, passengers, pedestrians and motorcycle riders may also
benefit from recommendations of this study. If implemented, the recommendations of this
study based on the findings may be instrumental in ensuring more effective measures are
instituted on Kenyan roads which will enhance road safety and reduce the number of deaths
due to road accidents.

The study may also be beneficial to other researchers as it provides literature that will form
the basis of their study on a similar subject. The study also filled in gaps in the existing
literature hence acting as a source of information and reference for scholars.

6
1.6 Scope of the Study

This study examined effects of traffic law enforcement on reduction of road accidents at
the Salgaa-Mau Summit junction stretch along the Nakuru-Eldoret highway. The study
focused on four measures of law enforcement: the effect of compliance with road safety
regulations on reduction of road accidents; effect of motor vehicle inspections and
certification on the reduction of road accidents; effect of road block checks on the reduction
of road accidents and effect of penalties enforcement on the reduction of road accidents. It
sought to evaluate the effectiveness of these enforcement strategies in reduction of road
fatalities along the Salgaa-Mau Summit junction stretch.

7
 CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction

This chapter reviews literature of previous studies on effects of enforcement of traffic laws
on reduction of road accidents. It also provides the theoretical framework upon which the
study was grounded; the conceptual framework of the study and the knowledge gaps.

2.2 Literature Review

The literature review is based on research objectives:

2.2.1 Compliance with Road Safety Regulations and Reduction of Road Accidents

Road safety measures refer to the strategies aimed at reducing the number of road fatalities
through the introduction of rules and regulations that enhance proper usage of the roads in
a safe manner. Numerous studies have shown that compliance with road safety regulations
have a positive impact on the reduction of road accidents. A review of compliance with
road safety regulations in the United States of America revealed that effective
implementation of recommendations by the World Health Organization laws on
enforcement of road safety rules in the country led to a death rate of 10.4% per 100 000
people which is way below the world’s rate of 17.4% per 100 000 people (WHO, 2016).
Similar findings were established by case-control studies in the United States. The study
which sought to evaluate helmets effectiveness in preventing head injuries revealed that
the wearing of helmets reduces probability of cyclists getting head/ brain injury by between
63% -88% (Thompson et al., 2016).

Previous studies have established that disregard of road safety measures by road user is
among the leading causes of road accidents. A study by Sprattler (2012) in the US revealed
that despite speed governors being mandatory and speed limits having been established for
all vehicles, there were still more road accidents due to disregard of the speed limits by
drivers. An assessment of road safety culture in Europe by Kim and Wagner (2014) also
established that disregard of the use of mobile phones among pedestrians and drivers puts
pedestrian’s safety at risk. The study observed that use of mobile phones by pedestrians
reduced their awareness and alert levels leading to increased dangerous road usage. The

8
study established that talking on the phone increased the risk of accident by 65% compared
to texting by 9.1% among pedestrians. The study further revealed that listening to music
puts pedestrians at a higher risk of being involved in accidents.

A review of traffic safety culture in Europe by Kim and Wagner (2014) also established
that compliance with road safety regulations was instrumental in the reduction of road
accidents. The study revealed that road safety regulations on alcohol consumption and
speed limit were the most influential in the enhancement of road safety. The study which
used case studies from France and Sweden established that alcohol consumption has a
positive and significant influence on road safety levels. Alcohol consumption regulations
helped to enhance road safety by ensuring that drivers had full control of the vehicles hence
reducing the risk of accidents due to drunk driving. The study also observed that speed
limit regulations played a significant role in the reduction of road accidents.

Similar findings have also been established in Tanzania where lack of awareness among
drivers was responsible for the disregard of road safety rules. The study showed that over
80% of the drivers were not aware of the speed limit regulations. The study revealed that
over speeding among drivers was attributed to drinking and inexperienced learned drivers
(Juma, 2015). In a study of road safety in Uganda, Friday et al., (2012) established that 80-
95% of road accidents in the country were as a result of failure to adhere to a number of
road safety regulations. Drivers in Uganda engage in reckless driving, over speeding and
drunk driving. This has greatly compromised road safety in Uganda (Friday et al., 2012).
In Kenya Legal Notice No.161 of 2003 requires heavy commercial and Public Service
Vehicles to be fit with speed governors, to a limit of 80Km/h; public, private and
commercial vehicles to be fit with safety belts; drivers and conductors of PSVs to display
their badges and wear uniforms; painting of yellow bands on PSVs for identification and
indication of their route lines; drivers of PSVs to be retested every 2 years; and the display
of photographs by drivers together with the particulars of the drivers identity (GoK, 2003).
These safety measures subsequently led to a significant reduction in road accidents with
fatalities reducing by 20% to 2,264 in 2004. Road safety regulations have always been

9
there, however effective implementation of the safety regulations has been the major cause
of skyrocketing road accidents in the country (Wangari et al., 2015).
A study by Mogire (2017) sought to determine Kenyans perceptions of NTSA strategies
aimed at enhancing road safety. The study revealed that 69% of respondents were in
agreement that compliance with road safety measures requiring all PSVs be registered and
managed by a SACCO assisted in the reduction of road accidents. SACCOs are able to
manage and regulate the behaviour of their drivers and conductors hence ensuring
compliance with road safety measures. The study also found out that over 70% of Kenyans
agreed that use of speed guns to check on speed limits helped prevent drivers from
speeding, hence avoiding accidents.

Studies in Kenya have established that disregard by road users and laxity by police officer
in enforcing road safety rules has been the major cause of road accidents in the country. A
study by Mogire (2017) revealed that even though NTSA had established a number of road
safety strategies, these strategies were not implemented effectively and motorists and
passengers had a negative attitude towards these strategies. The study showed that 68% of
Kenyans were on the driving at higher speed beyond the prescribed limit increases the
probability of road accidents. Sloppiness by the police to enforce speed limits is partly to
be blamed in addition to disregard by road users (Mogire, 2017). Low levels of awareness
of road safety rules have been linked to increased road fatalities. Mogire (2017) established
that 45% of Kenyans are not conversant with NTSA road safety strategies. The study
further revealed that the low level of awareness among road users was a worrying trend as
it could be the major cause of the rising number of deaths as a result of road accidents in
the country. Similar findings were established by Kabue (2017). Findings of the study
showed that all road safety rules were positively correlated to road safety however road
user awareness played a significant role on the effectiveness of these strategies on
enhancing road safety.

10
2.2.2 Motor Vehicle Inspections and certification and the Reduction of Road

Accidents

Vehicle inspection and certification is carried out to determine if the vehicles are
roadworthy. After the inspection the vehicles are given a roadworthiness certificate, as an
indication that the vehicle is safe to drive at the time of inspection. Regular motor vehicles
inspection provides assurance that motor vehicle components are in good condition for use
and in good working condition. This helps to reduce the chances of an accident occurring
and also minimize the impact of the accidents on the passengers whenever they occur.
Adequate and good condition of motor vehicles feature such as seat belts, brakes, steering
wheel, lights, tires and direction indicators are instrumental in the reduction of motor
vehicle related accidents (Gitagama, 2014).

Previous studies have shown that regular motor vehicle inspection and certification plays
a significant role in the reduction of motor vehicle accidents. A study by Stephanie et al.,
(2013) in New Zealand revealed that motor vehicles that did not undergo inspection to
acquire a certificate of inspection were at a higher risk of being involved in a car crash
compared to motor vehicles that had undergone inspection. The study further revealed that
vehicles whose tire pressure had not been checked for the past period of 3 months were at
a significantly high risk of being in road accidents in comparison to vehicle whose tires
pressure had been checked.

Technical defects of motor vehicles which had not undergone inspection accounted for
between 6-8% of traffic accidents. Studies by Zovak et al., (2016) revealed that about 22%
of the vehicles that did undergo regular technical inspection in Croatia were the cause of
the larger number of road accidents. The study found out that older vehicles had a higher
rate of failure hence higher risk of accidents (Zovak et al., 2016). A study in rural Pakistan
has revealed that the high numbers of accidents in the country are due to lack of a motor
vehicle inspection in the country. Findings of a study by Khan (2011) established that lack
of a motor vehicle inspection in the country had led to faulty vehicles in the country with
defective system of indicator lighting, faulty breaking system, old and damaged tires, loose

11
and overloaded wheel axles. The study notes that these faulty and dangerous mechanical
conditions were responsible for the poor conditions and performance of motor vehicles
increasing the risk of them being involved in road accidents.

In Kenya, Road Safety Regulations are provided for by the Traffic act CAP 403 LoK. The
act required that vehicles to be inspected and certified by the government by the Motor
Vehicle Inspection Division. The unit is responsible for inspecting vehicles before they are
given a license to operate as PSVs. The unit is responsible for ensuring that PSVs have
complied to all the technical aspects before they are licensed to operate on Kenyan roads
(GoK, 2003). Studies in Kenya have revealed that motor vehicle inspection and
certification have a very minimal impact on reducing accidents in Kenya. A study by Kabue
(2017) revealed that motor vehicle inspection metrics such as PSV insurance, state of the
tires, motor vehicle road worthiness, presence of seat belts and speed governors played a
significant role on road safety. However practical inspection in the country by responsible
agencies had negatively affected road safety. According to the study, annual mandatory
inspections had not led to enhanced road safety as PSVs in the country are given inspection
certification without being visually seen by the vehicle inspectors. The Motor Vehicle
inspection Unit is highly corrupt and very few vehicles are inspected. Kingori (2012)
sought to examine the impact of motor vehicles inspection in reduction of road fatality in
Kenya. Findings of the study revealed that there is no causality between fatality rate and
the proportion of the number of inspected motor vehicles.

The findings of this study are backed up by findings of Raynor and Mirzoev (2014) study.
The study revealed that motor vehicle inspection and certification does not have much
impact on the reduction of road accidents on the Kenyan roads. The study which involved
structured interviews with 20 matatu drivers revealed that 18 out of the 20 matatu drivers
had bribed police on road block checks which is a norm on the Kenyan roads. The matatu
drivers revealed that it is normal to pay bribes even when the PSVs have been inspected
and complied with the required safety standard. According to the drivers even when the
PSVs are maintained as required by law, traffic police conjecture non-existent problems to

12
receive bribes. Therefore it is easier to bribe police rather than incur expenses to properly
maintain the vehicles (Raynor & Mirzoev, 2014).

Further studies have shown that motor vehicle inspection is instrumental in the elimination
of un-roadworthy vehicles and motor vehicles with dangerous mechanical conditions
thereby enhancing road safety conditions. An examination of the determinants of accidents
on the Nairobi-Kisumu highway by Lewis (2013), revealed that over 15% o of accidents
in the country are caused by un-roadworthy motor vehicles. The study attributed the un-
roadworthiness of motor vehicles to the importation of second hand motor vehicles in the
country. Most of these vehicles have dangerous mechanical conditions which increases the
risk of motor vehicle accidents. The study also noted that motor vehicle inspection in the
country were not reliable and lacked the comprehensive checks required to ensure that the
vehicles were in good condition for road use. Most of the inspection undertaken were
mainly visual and could not guarantee the safety of motor vehicles (Lewis (2013). This
study shows that even though motor vehicle inspection were undertaken in the country,
they were ineffective in the reduction of road accidents as they were not carried out
effectively and in a comprehensive manner as required.

2.2.3 Police Road Block Checks and the Reduction of Road Accidents

Policing enforcement through road blocks is one of the preventive strategies employed by
responsible agencies aimed at deterring violations of road safety regulations. The effect of
police road block checks on reduction of road accidents remains to be a contentious issue
and a subject of investigation. However recent studies have shown that there is a general
perception that increasing police presence on the highways and roads leads to a reduction
on violation of traffic regulations and road accidents. The presence of police checks on the
roads is necessitated by a large number of road users who fail to comply with road safety
regulations. The police presence is therefore meant to ensure road users comply with road
safety regulations hence reducing road accidents (Scott, 2010).

Police road block checks play a significant role in the reduction of road accidents; police
presence serves to deter reckless and dangerous behaviour on the roads such as over

13
speeding and drunk driving; police detect dangerous and careless behaviour; identify
offenders who fail to comply with road safety regulations; changes the attitudes and
behaviours of road users and enhance levels of compliance due to the perceived risk of
apprehension; educate road users; identify & remove dangerous vehicles; conduct
investigations into the causes of accidents; and prevent other forms of crime such as
escaping robbers on high speed chase and kidnapping. For instance in the United States of
America police presence the roads is the most common strategy for law enforcement that
is commonly used for reducing accidents (Mashhadi et al., 2017).
The effectiveness of police enforcement in deterring road accidents can be enhanced
through increasing the perceived risk of apprehension by those who fail to comply with
road safety regulations. This can be done through the use of ‘Blitz’ technique involving the
short-term intensive enforcement activity, mounting of police checks around accident
black spots and stationery checks where unmarked police vehicles are hidden on the
roadside to monitor speed limits with marked visible police vehicles on the road for
purposes of apprehending over speeding drivers. Some of the strategies that can be used to
enhance effectiveness of police checks include: random testing of drivers BAC; use of
speed cameras to monitor vehicles speed; red lights; photographing vehicles number plates
to capture speeding vehicles; and random road watches where police mount road blocks at
different points on the road rather than one single stationary point for several consecutive
days (Scott, 2010).

A number of studies have been conducted to evaluate effectiveness of police presence in

deterring road accidents. Studies by the European Transport Safety Council (2010) have
shown that a combination of stationery and mobile police road block checks resulted in the
reduction of casualties by 6% and fatal accidents by 14%. The study further revealed use
of speed camera technology led to reduction of casualties by 19% with urban areas
reporting larger reductions of up to 28% and rural areas reporting 4% reduction in fatalities.
In relation to drunk driving the study revealed that conducting a high number of random
tests, unpredictable tests in terms of time and place spread over a broad area and highly
visible police operations targeting persistent offenders are effective in deterring drunk
driving (European Transport Safety Council, 2010).

14
An evaluation of Uganda’s road safety by Friday et al., (2012) has revealed there were
inadequately trained police officers as required under the provisions of the Traffic and
Road Safety Act. This hindered the ability of the police adequately undertake road checks
to ensure that all PSVs comply with road safety regulations. The study further showed that
the ability of police to undertake road checks has been hampered by shortage of safety
equipment. This was further aggravated by the abolition of mandatory road checks on
Ugandan roads Friday et al., (2012).

Studies in Kenya have revealed that road blocks checks by police have not been effective
in reducing road accidents due to corruption. Raynor and Mirzoev (2014) study has
revealed that corruption by traffic police has rendered road blocks check an ineffective
strategy in the reduction of road accidents. Matatu drivers revealed that it is normal to pay
bribes even when the PSVs don’t have any problem. The study established that even the
PSVs are maintained in accordance with traffic law requirements; traffic police often
conjecture not-existent charges to receive bribes. Muguro et al., (2020) review of data on
road accidents from 2015 to 2020 has revealed that police road blocks influence on the
reduction of road accidents has not had a significant impact in reduction of road accidents
in Kenya. The study established that NTSA in collaboration with the traffic police actively
monitors road malpractices using random crack downs and check points. However the
impact on reduction of road traffic accidents is very mild especially in areas that lack police
presence and supervision. The traffic police mainly use check points with minimal random
checks and patrols. As a result the drivers are aware of the check points and tend to comply
with traffic laws when around this areas where police are present. However the
definitiveness of the police road blocks has encouraged dangerous and reckless driving in
areas that are outside the monitored zone Muguro et al., (2020).

2.2.4 Penalties Enforcement and the Reduction of Road Accidents

Heavy punishments and apprehension has been halted as one of the most effective strategy
in prevention of road accidents among drivers (Mashhadi et al., 2017). The imposition of
fines and penalties is based on the deterrence theory. According to the deterrence theory,
imposition of a sufficiently high penalty will act as an effective deterrence to road users

15
against the violation of traffic rules and regulations. When traffic offenders pay heavily for
violating traffic rules it reduces their chances of repeating the offending behaviour.
Reduction in the reoccurrence of violation of traffic laws subsequently decreases the
number of RTAs. It is the disregard of traffic law violations that heightens the risk of road
accidents and fatalities.

Penalties are imposed to traffic offenders by law courts in a number of ways: can be
penalized in various ways: through fines where the offenders are required to pay a certain
amount of money as prescribed by the law; temporary suspension of driving license;
confiscation of the offenders vehicles in situations where the vehicle is considered to be
un-roadworthy; penalty points where offenders earn point whenever they violate traffic
laws and accumulation of the points to a certain level may lead to a trial leading to fine
payment or suspension of driving license; , compulsory rehabilitation for drunk drivers;
sentencing or community service if the courts finds it suitable. Imposition of penalties on
those violating traffic laws is aimed deterring the violation of road safety rules and
regulations by: preventing the repetition of re-occurrence of the offending behaviour by
road users; and deterring the general population from committing traffic related offences
due to fear of the high penalties that may be imposed on them if they commit the offences
(Elvik, 2016).

Studies conducted on the effect imposition of fines and penalties have shown that
increasing fines leads to reduction in violation of road safety and traffic regulations,
changes in the re-occurrence of traffic offences/recidivism and changes in the number of
RTAs and fatalities. A 2016 meta-analysis by Elvik (2016) has increasing fines for traffic
offences between 50 and 100% have led to a decrease in traffic violations by 15%. The
study further revealed that increasing the fines up to 50% have no significant influence on
reduction of traffic law violations while increasing fines beyond 100% tends to be
counterproductive as it has been linked to a 4% increase in traffic law violations. However
increasing fines has no effect in deterring traffic violations among severe and frequent
offenders (Elvik, 2016).

16
In respect to RTs the findings of the study revealed that increasing fines reduced accident
by 5-10% and reduced fatal accidents by 1-12%. The study further revealed that an increase
in penalties is only effective in enhancing compliance with traffic regulations when the
probability of being apprehended is high. On the contrary when the probability of
apprehension is low an increase in penalties does not have a significant effect on deterrence
(Elvik, 2016). The findings of this study therefore indicate that effects of fine increase on
deterring traffic violations is only effective up to a certain level beyond which it becomes
ineffective; fines are ineffective in deterring the behaviour of frequent offenders; fines
imposition reduce RTAs by a small margin; and effectiveness of the fine is determined by
the risk of apprehension.

Evidence from previous studies has shown that the amount of fines imposed on traffic
offenders significantly affects violation of traffic regulations. Moolenaar (2014) examine
the relationship between increasing fines and running red lights using price elasticity of
fines in Netherlands. Her studies follow an upward adjustment of traffic fines by an average
of 20% in 2008. Findings of the study showed that increasing fines by 1% decreases the
behaviour of running red light by 0.14%. Similar observations were made in the USA in
relation to fines imposed due to failure to wear seatbelts by (Nichols et al., 2010). Findings
of this study established that increasing of traffic fines by 35 dollars led to a 3-4%
improvement in seat belt usage; an increase in traffic fines by 75 dollars increased seat belt
usage by 6-7%. This correlation was also found in a Norwegian study. The study showed
that an increase in fixed fines by 15 dollars for passengers who failed to wear seat belts led
to a corresponding increase in wearing of seat belts by 10 % in urban areas and by 2.5 to
5% in rural areas (Elvik, 2015).

The Kenyan system uses fines as the main form of penalties for deterring traffic offences
in addition to the suspension of PSV licenses and SACCOs. NTSA published the different
fines for different offences as provided for by the Legal Notice No.161 under the Traffic
Act 2016. The fines range from as low as KSH 1000 to a maximum of 100000 for different
offences such as penalties for driver offences; penalties for offences related to the condition

17
of the vehicle; and penalties related to passengers. However there are no studies on the
impact of these fines in deterring road users from committing traffic related offences.

18
2.3 Research Gaps

Table 2.1: Research Gaps

Author Focus of the Study Findings of the Research Gaps
Study
Kim and Culture of traffic Safety Alcohol consumption Different study context
Wagner in Europe regulations and Other road safety metrics
(2014) observance of speed including use of safety belts,
limit regulations wearing of uniforms and
played a significant display of budges by drivers
role in the reduction and conductors
of road accidents
Sprattler Risk factors for road Over speeding was Different study context
(2012) accidents in the United responsible for big Other road safety metrics
States percentage of all fatal including use of safety belts,
crashes wearing of uniforms and
display of budges by drivers
and conductors.
Friday et al., Road Safety in Uganda. Effectiveness of Strategies used by police to
(2012) police road block mitigate road accidents
checks has been Roles played by the police in
negatively affected reducing road accidents
by police inadequacy, Other metrics such as
training and access to alcohol limits, use of safety
road safety belts, prohibition of mobile
equipment use and wearing of uniforms
Abolition of and display of budges by
mandatory motor drivers
vehicle inspection led
to an upsurge in the
number of road
accidents
Reckless driving was
a major cause of road
accidents
Mogire (2017) Kenyans Perception of Compliance with Other metrics such as
NTSA Accident speed limits and alcohol limits, use of safety
Reduction Strategies continuous belts, prohibition of mobile
monitoring by police use and wearing of uniforms
officers of PSV speed and display of budges by
limits helps to drivers
minimize accidents
along highways.
(Zovak et al., Influence of vehicle Old vehicles were at Different study context
2016). inspection on road higher risk of being Specific motor vehicle
accidents involved in road inspection metrics such as
accidents PSV insurance, state of the
tires and motor vehicle road
worthiness

19
Khan (2011) Influence of vehicle Lack of a motor Different study context
inspection on road vehicle inspection Specific motor vehicle
accidents increases road inspection metrics such as
accidents. PSV insurance, state of the
tires and motor vehicle road
worthiness

Kabue (2017) Influence of NTSA Motor vehicle Specific motor vehicle

strategies on road safety inspection had not led inspection metrics such as
in Nakuru County to enhanced road PSV insurance, state of the
safety due to lack of tires and motor vehicle road
proper inspection and worthiness.
corruption
Kingori (2012) Impact of motor vehicles There is no causality Specific motor vehicle
inspection in reduction of between fatality rate inspection metrics such as
road fatality in Kenya. and the proportion of PSV insurance, state of the
the number of tires and motor vehicle road
inspected motor worthiness.
vehicles
Lewis (2013) Determinants of road Motor inspections Specific motor vehicle
accidents along Kenyan were ineffective in inspection metrics such as
Highways the reduction of road PSV insurance, state of the
accidents due to lack tires and motor vehicle road
of comprehensive worthiness.
checks
Raynor & Understanding road safety Corruption by traffic Strategies used by police to
Mirzoev in Kenya police has rendered mitigate road accidents
(2014) road blocks check an Roles that police play in
ineffective strategy in reducing road accidents
the reduction of road
accidents Specific motor vehicle
Motor vehicle does inspection metrics
not have much impact
on the reduction of
road accidents on the
Kenyan roads
Muguro et al., Analysis of road accidents Police road blocks Strategies used by police to
(2020) Trends checks have no mitigate road accidents
significant impact in Roles that police play in
the reduction of road reducing road accidents.
traffic accidents in
the country

20
 European Influence of police Use of speed Different study context
Transport enforcement on reduction cameras, random Roles played by the police in
Safety Council of road accidents in alcohol tests and high reducing road accidents
(2010) Europe police presence deter
traffic law violations
Elvik, (2016); Relationship between Increasing fines for Lack a comprehensive
increased penalties & road traffic offences leads review of the various forms
safety. to a decrease in of penalization
traffic violations Different study context
Nichols et al., Effect of penalties on Increasing the Lack a comprehensive
(2010) compliance with wearing amount paid in form review of the various forms
of seat belts of fines for failure to of penalization
wear seatbelts Different study context
reduces risky
behaviour linked to
road accidents

2.4 Theoretical Framework

This study is based on Deterrence theory & Systems Theory:

2.4.1 The Deterrence Theory

The deterrence theory traces its roots to early works of classical philosophers such as
Thomas Hobbes (1588–1678); Jeremy Bentham (1748–1832); and Cesare Beccaria (1738–
1794). The theory is based on the principle that punishing crime offender will deter the
general population from committing the crime and reduce the probability of the offending
behaviour from being repeated or re-occurring. This effectively minimizes crime rates in
the society. The deterrence theory works to reduce crime in the society using two ways:
through the imposition of fines to an offender acts as a deterrence that prevents the offender
from repeating the same crime and from committing more crimes; and through normative
deterrence where the knowledge that certain crimes are punishable under law deters people
from breaking the law in the fear of being punished.

Effectiveness of punishment as a deterrence from committing crimes is dependent on two

factors: The certainty of punishment and the severity of punishment. In this case deterrence
is effective in discouraging offending behaviour if the likelihood of being apprehended and
punished is high. It is only when the offender is certain that committing a crime will lead
to their apprehension and subsequent punishment. Punishment will also deter offending

21
behaviour if the penalty imposed for the crime is severe and harsh enough to prevent the
offender form repeating the crime.

This theory provides an explanation into one of the major variables under this study: the
influence of penalties enforcement on the reduction of road accidents. The theory provides
an explanation of how the imposition of penalties on traffic law offenders helps to deter
the violation of road safety rules. The imposition of fines and penalties for traffic offences
is grounded in the deterrence theory. By fining an offender it works to prevent them from
repeating the crime and acts as a deterrence of the general population from committing
similar traffic offences for fear of being fined.

The theory also provides insights on how the strategy of imposing penalties can be
enhanced to reduce violations of traffic law. Effectiveness of punishment is dependent on
severity of punishment. Higher fines lower the probability of the traffic offence being
committed or repeated. This has been proven by empirical studies on the effect of penalties
of traffic offences by Elvik (2016), Moolenaar (2014) and Nicols et al., (2010) whose
findings have shown that increasing fines for traffic offences reduces the chances of the
offences being committed.

2.4.2 The Systems Theory

The Systems Theory was developed by the 19th century sociologists Emile Durkheim,
Talcott Parsons and Hebert Spencer. The theory posits that the society is a system of
complex interrelated and interdependent elements in the natural environment whose
interactions with each other gives rise to an orderly function of the society. Each of the
elements in the society has a role to play to ensure survival and continuity of the society.
The different elements perform specialized functions that are dependent on each other. This
gives rise to an orderly system that ensures a functional and cohesive society.

Similarly the transport system is made up of several elements whose interactions give rise
to an order that ensures road safety is observed to minimize road traffic accidents. The
transport system is an interaction of interrelated and dependent elements that include:

22
traffic laws and regulations on road safety; enforcement agencies responsible for ensuring
compliance with road safety; road user such as drivers, passengers, motorcyclists and
pedestrians whose compliance with the road safety rules helps to minimize the occurrence
of road traffic accidents; agencies responsible for the construction and maintenance of the
road system to ensure that they are safe for use by road users; and the court system
responsible for dispensing justice in traffic cases.

As advanced by the theory, these elements are interrelated and dependent on each other.
The NTSA is the government agency responsible for coordinating road safety issues in
Kenya (Gok, 2012). The Traffic Department is responsible for ensuring free flow of traffic,
preventing and investigating road accidents, enforcement of traffic laws and road safety
sensitization to members of the public. These two agencies depend on the cooperation of
road users’ compliance with the traffic regulations. The courts impose penalties and fines
to deter violation of traffic laws. The Kenya Road Authorities are responsible for
designing, construction and maintaining of roads that ensures that the roads are in good
condition for road users.

2.5 Conceptual Framework

This study sought to examine effects of traffic law enforcement on reduction of road
accidents. The enforcement of traffic laws is the independent variable while the reduction
of road traffic accidents is the dependent variable. The reduction of road accidents is
dependent on the compliance with road safety regulations by road users; the inspection and
certification of motor vehicles by NTSA; the enforcement of traffic laws through police
road block checks; and the imposition of penalties which act as deterrence against the
violation of traffic laws. The availability of a legal framework such as the Traffic Act
provides the legal basis for the road safety regulations and mechanisms for their
enforcement through the courts which enhances compliance. This relationship is
demonstrated by Figure 2.1:

23
 Independent Variable Dependent Variable

Compliance with Road Safety Regulations

 Maintaining required speed limit
 Use of safety belts
 Maintaining zero alcohol levels
 Avoid distracted driving e.g., use of
mobile phones
 Display of badges and wearing uniforms
by drivers & conductors

Motor Vehicle Inspection and certifications

 Condition of Electric and Lighting system, Road Traffic
 Breaking, clutch and acceleration system Accidents
 State of the tires, wheels and axles
 Number of road
 Functionality of speed governors
accidents
 General Roadworthiness of the vehicle
 Number of
 Vehicle undercarriage, Body works and
fatalities
seatbelts
 Number of
serious injuries
Police Roadblock Checks
 Road traffic
 Conducting Compliance checks accident cases
 Detecting Arresting and prosecuting traffic
offender
 Ensuring free flow of traffic
 Preventing and investigating road accidents,
Intervening Variable
 Enforcement of traffic laws and regulations
 Impounding non-compliant vehicles  The Legal Framework on
Penalties Enforcement traffic laws and Regulations
 Fines and penalties  The Criminal Justice
 Suspension of driving license. System
 Confiscation of the offenders’ vehicles
 Mandatory rehabilitation programs
 Prison sentences & Community service

Figure 2.1: Conceptual Framework

24
 CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction
This chapter outline the methodology for the study. It includes the research design, target
population, sampling procedures and sample size, data collection instruments, data analysis
techniques and ethical issues to be observed.

3.2 Research Design

This study used a descriptive research design. Gall and Borg (2009) assert that descriptive
research design focuses on determining the state of the phenomena under study as it exists
without any form of manipulation. According to Kothari (2004) this design provides an
extensive description of the characteristics of phenomena under study and correlation
between study variables using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. This approach
was suitable for examining the effects of traffic law enforcement on reduction of accidents
along the Salgaa-Mau Summit Highway. The researcher examined the effects as they are
on the ground and describe their influence on the reduction of road accidents without any
form of manipulation. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used.

3.3 Target Population

The target population for this study were 9 NTSA officials in Nakuru County, 60 traffic
police officers and 220 road users along the Salgaa –Mau Summit Highway. The NTSA
officials and traffic police officers were chosen as they are responsible for implementing
traffic laws in the study area hence possess information on the effect of implementing
traffic laws on reduction of road accidents on the Salgaa- Mau Summit highway. The study
also targeted PSV drivers and passengers plying the route as they are the main users of the
road and possess information on the safety of the roads following implementation of traffic
laws. The target population is indicated in Table 3.1:

25
Table 3.1: Target Population
Strata Number of Officers
Senior NTSA Traffic NTSA PSV Passengers TOTAL
Traffic Nakuru Police Motor Drivers
Police Regional Officers vehicle
officers Manager inspectors
and Safety
Enforcement
Officers
NTSA - 1 8 - 9
officials
Traffic 3 - 60 - - 63
Police
Road - - - - 218 12 230
Users
Total 3 1 60 8 218 12 302
Source: NTSA (2020)

3.4 Sampling Size and Procedure

3.4.1 Sampling Size

A sample size of 10% and 20% of the target population chosen randomly from a stratified
stratum is representative of the target population (Kombo & Tromp, 2009). Mugenda and
Mugenda (2009) assert that a 10%-30 % sample size is considered to be sufficient for social
research. This study used a sample size of 30% of the target population. Due to their small
numbers all the NTSA enforcement officers and motor vehicle inspectors participated in
the study. Given that data on the exact number of passengers is not known, the number of
passengers participating in the study was determined based on information saturation.
According to Guest et al., (2006), information saturation may occur within the first 12
interviews in a comparatively homogeneous group especially when the study seeks to
understand respondents’ perceptions or experiences of the phenomena under study.
Therefore the sample size composed of 107 respondents: 18 traffic police officers; 8 NTSA

26
enforcement officer/Motor vehicle inspectors; 65 drivers; 12 passengers; 3 senior traffic
police officers and 1NTSA Regional manager as indicated in Table 3.2:

Table 3.2: Sample Size

Strata Number of Officers
Senior NTSA Traffic NTSA PSV Passengers TOTAL
Traffic Regional Police Motor Drivers
Police Manager Officers vehicle
officers inspectors &
Safety
Enforcement
Officers
NTSA - 1 - 8 - 9
officials
Traffic 3 - 18 - - 21
Police
Road - - - - 65 12 77
Users
Total 3 1 18 8 65 12 107

3.4.2 Sampling Procedure

Stratified and systematic random sampling techniques were used to identify the
respondents to be involved in the study. In this case respondents were stratified into three
categories: NTSA officials; Traffic Police and Road Users. Based on this stratification,
systematic random sampling was used to select the number of traffic police officers and
the drivers plying the Nakuru Highway to be involved in the study. Purposive sampling
technique was used to identify key informants (Nakuru County Police Commander, Sub-
County Police commanders and NTSA Regional Manager).

3.5 Methods of Data Collection

This section provides the procedures for data collection and the instruments of data
collection.

27
3.5.1 Instruments of Data Collection

Questionnaires and interview schedule were used to obtain information from respondents.
Questionnaires were administered to traffic police officers, NTSA officers, passengers and
the drivers using the Nakuru-Eldoret Highway. The interview schedule was used to conduct
an in-depth interview with the NTSA Regional Manager, County Police Commander and
the Sub County Police Commanders. The study used structured questionnaires. The
researcher chose structured questionnaires as the respondents can fill them with a lot of
ease; they are easy to analyse using the SPSS software; and can easily be administered to
a large number of respondents.

3.5.2 Data collection procedures

This study collected primary data from respondents and secondary data from NTSA and
Traffic police records on the number of road accidents. The researcher used the drop and
pick approach to collect data using questionnaires where the questionnaires were dropped
and the respondent given time to fill at their own convenience and picked later on. The
questionnaires were dropped at the NTSA Nakuru offices; Traffic police offices and the
offices of the PSV SACCO using the Nakuru-Eldoret highway for filling by the selected
respondents and collected later on for analysis. The researcher also sent a request to
participate in the current study to all NTSA officials and the Traffic Police officials in
Nakuru county requesting approval to conduct interviews at times and venues convenient
to them.

3.6 Pilot Study

A pilot study was undertaken for testing the data collection instruments on a small number
of respondents with similar characteristics to the final sample along Nyahururu Nyeri Road.
This was done to avoid contamination of the respondents before the actual study was
undertaken. Mugenda and Mugenda (2009) recommend that pilot study is undertaken
among 10% of the study population. The pilot study was therefore undertaken among 10
respondents. The pilot study was undertaken among NTSA officials, traffic police and
drivers on the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway. The researcher divided respondents in the pilot
study into two groups. The questionnaires were presented in the first group to determine

28
their viability in yielding valid, accurate and reliable results. The results of the pilot study
showed that the respondents were in a position to understand most of the questions;
however they had challenges understanding the likert scale. The researcher simplified the
questions by attaching figures to the rating scale to the items on the likert scale to enable
respondents indicate the extent of their agreement with statements on the questionnaires.
This was retested in the second group. Results of the retest revealed that the respondents
were able to understand the questions and fill them adequately ensuring that instruments
were suitable and able to yield reliable outcomes before the actual study was conducted.

3.7 Validity of Research Instruments

Validity is instrumental in determining if items in the research instruments accurately

measure the study variables; the language used is not biased; and the items can be
understood by respondents (Kothari, 2004). To establish validity of the research instrument
expert opinion was used. The researchers sought the opinion of experts in the field of the
study and university supervisors who reviewed the instruments for clarity, readability and
comprehensiveness. Comments from the experts and school supervisors were used to
review and revise the instruments before they are used in the actual study.

3.8 Reliability of Research Instruments

Piloting was used to enhance the reliability of the instruments based on consistence of
results of the pilot study and the actual study. Reliability of the instruments was also
determined using the Cronbach Alpha Co-efficient. SPSS Statistics Reliability Analysis
Function was used to conduct analysis and generate Cronbach's reliability Co-efficient.
The instruments were considered to be reliable as they yield a coefficient of 0.7 and above
(Gall & Borg, 2003) as indicated in Table 3.3

29
Table 3.3 Reliability Statistics

Cronbach's Cronbach's Alpha Based No. of

Item Alpha on Standardized Items Items

Compliance with road .780 .718 7

safety regulations
Motor vehicle inspection .771 .770 6
and certification
Police road block checks .766 .786 5

Penalties enforcement .710 .687 5

3.9 Data Analysis Methods

Data was analysed quantitatively and qualitatively. The data was coded and entered into
the SPSS for analysis and generation of descriptive statistics such as percentages,
frequencies and means; measures of dispersion such as standard deviations. Quantitative
data is presented in tables for showing comparisons, trends and clarity for easy
understanding of the findings. Inferential statistics was used to determine the significance
of the relationship between enforcement of traffic rules and reduction of road accidents.
Regression analysis was undertaken to assess the relationship between the independent and
the dependant variables being studied.
The multiple regression model is expressed as follows:
Y=β+β1 X1 + β2 X2 + β3 X3+ β4 X4+e
Where:
Y=dependant variable (Road Accidents)
β= intercept points

30
 X1, X2, X3, X4=independent variables (Compliance with road safety regulations,
Motor vehicle inspection and certification, Police road block checks and Penalty
enforcement)
β1, β2, β3 = the slope of the independent variable
e= error term
Qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis. The researcher carefully read
through the interview transcripts, organized and coded the data generated. Coding was
conducted inductively using thematic approach where emerging themes and patterns were
identified based on the study objectives. This data is presented in narrative and verbatim
form to describe relationships between enforcement of traffic rules and reduction of
accidents.

3.10 Ethical issues

The researcher adhered to the proper procedure of conducting research by obtaining a

research permit from NACOSTI. Prior to their participation in the study, the researcher
obtained written or verbal consent from the respondents. Confidentiality of the
information provided was assured to respondents. Collected data was only used for
academic purposes. The researcher was careful while administering questionnaires and
conducting interviews to cause minimal interference with the respondents
administrative and traffic duties.

31
 CHAPTER FOUR: DATA ANALYSIS, PRESENTATION AND

INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS

4.1 Introduction

This chapter presents the research findings of the study based on the examination of the
effects of enforcement of road traffic laws on the reduction of road accidents in Kenya along
the Salgaa- Mau Summit Highway in Nakuru County under the following sections:
Response rate; Demographic Information; Findings of the Study per objective and
Regression Analysis.

4.2 Response Rate

A total of 103 questionnaires were distributed out of which 100 questionnaires were returned
giving a response rate of 97.1%. All the four (4) interviews with senior officers were
successfully conducted. This response was good enough and representative of the
population and conforms to Mugenda and Mugenda (2009) stipulation that a response rate
of 70% and above is excellent. The response rate is shown in Table 4.1:

Table 4.1: Response Return Rate

Category Sample Response Response Rate (%)
Questionnaires 103 100 97.1
Interviews 4 4 100
Total 107 104 97.1%

4.3 Respondents Demographic Information

This section provides information on the respondents’ gender, age, education level and
work experience in the following subsections:

4.3.1 Respondents Gender

Table 4.2 provides information of the gender of the respondents:

32
Table 4.2: Gender of the Respondents
Gender Frequency Percentage (%)
Male 71 68.3
Female 33 31.7
Total 104 100

Table 4.2 indicates that 68.3% of the respondents were male while 31.7% were female.
The findings imply that majority of the drivers operating the Salgaa –Mau Summit
Highway are male. The transport industry particularly driving is usually male
dominated. Compared to male drivers, female drivers tend to be more careful on the
roads and more compliant with road traffic rules. Hence a high number of male drivers
on the highway could be a possible predictor of low levels of compliance with traffic
rules and consequently high number of accidents. This also implies that majority of
NTSA officials and traffic police enforcing road traffic laws along the Salgaa –Mau
Summit Highway are male. This may not have bearing on the road accidents as there is
no differential enforcement of traffic rules between male and female police officers.

4.3.2 Age of the Respondents

Table 4.3 provides information of the age of the respondents:

Table 4.3: Age of the Respondents

Age Frequency Percentage (%)
21-30 years 23 22
31-40 years 48 46
41-50 years 23 22
Over 50 years 10 10
Total 104 100

Table 4.6 indicates that 46% of the respondents were between the ages of 31-40 years;
22% were between the ages of 21-30 years; 22% between the ages of 41-50 years and
only 10% of the respondents were over 50 years. Therefore a substantial majority of the

33
respondents (90%) were below the age of 50 years. Out of this over half (68%) were
below 40 years. This implies that officers enforcing traffic laws along the Salgaa-Mau
Summit Highway are young and energetic and can effectively enforce traffic laws in
terms of checking on the state of vehicles; identifying & remove non-compliant vehicles
from the roads; conducting random checks on alcohol levels; enforcing speed limits;
and arresting traffic offenders compared to older officers. This also implies that majority
of the drivers operating on the Salgaa-Mau Summit Highway are relatively young.
Older drivers tend to experience exhaustion more easily compared to younger drivers
and are likely to cause accidents given the long distances that they operate. However,
younger drivers tend to drive faster and engage in consumption of alcohol compared to
older drivers which may increase the probability of road accidents along the highway.

4.3.3 Respondents Work Experience

Table 4.4 provides information of the respondents work experience:

Table 4.4: Respondents Work Experience

Age Frequency Percentage (%)
Less than 5 years 26 25
5-10 years 40 38
More than 10 years 38 37
Total 104 100

Table 4.5 indicates that 38% of the respondents had a work experience of 5-10 years;
37% had more than 10 years’ experience; and 25% had less than 5 years’ experience.
This implies that majority of the officers operating along the Salgaa-Mau Summit
Highway have a substantive experience in enforcing traffic laws. Therefore they have
practical knowledge of accidents black spots; hotspots to place road blocks; and the
tactics used by drivers to evade police. In addition they have practical experience of the
causes of accidents along the highway and the measures to be implemented to reduce
accidents. On the other hand drivers who have long experience operating the Salgaa-
Mau summit Highways are aware of the common causes of accidents along the way
including black spots on the highway and how to avoid them to prevent accidents. Based

34
on this experience, these respondents can provide reliable information on how
enforcement of traffic laws along the highway has reduced accidents especially after the
realization of SDG 3 and the Road Safety Action Plan which sought to reduce road
accident related injuries and deaths by 50% by 2020.

4.4 Compliance with Road Safety Regulations

The first objective of the study was to examine the effect of compliance with road safety
regulations on reduction of road accidents. Respondents were therefore asked to indicate
their extent of agreements on the effectiveness of compliance with road safety regulations
in reducing the number of road accidents along the Salgaa- Mau Summit Highway using a
likert scale. Table 4.5 presents findings of the study:

Table 4.5: Compliance with Road Safety Regulations

Std.
Statement Minimum Maximum Mean Deviation
Maintaining required speed limit 3.00 5.00 4.660 .496
Use of safety belts 3.00 5.00 4.650 .519
Avoiding distracted driving (use of
3.00 5.00 4.700 .541
mobile phones)
Displaying of budges by conductors and
2.00 5.00 3.830 .954
drivers
Wearing uniforms by drivers and
2.00 5.00 3.810 .991
conductors
Maintaining zero alcohol levels 2.00 5.00 4.730 .617
Awareness of road Safety regulations 3.00 5.00 4.810 .419
Aggregate Mean & Standard
4.455 .648
Deviation

An aggregate mean of 4.455 in Table 4.5 indicates that the respondents’ strongly agreed
that compliance with road safety regulations had contributed to reduction of road
accidents along the Salgaa- Mau Summit Highway. A lower standard deviation of 0.648

35
indicates that the individual responses on average are 0.6 points away from the mean.
This implies that the data sets are closely clustered around the mean. The findings are
discussed in the subsequent subsections below:

4.4.1 Awareness of Road Safety Regulations

Awareness of road safety regulations is a precursor to compliance with the regulations

as road users can only comply with regulations that they are aware of (Kabue, 2017).
Findings of this study in Table 4.5 indicate that respondents strongly agreed that
awareness of road safety regulations (Mean=4.810; Std. Dev. =0.419) is fundamental in
enhancing compliance with road safety regulations and consequently reduction of road
accidents along the Salgaa-Mau Summit highway. This was emphasized by one of the
senior traffic police officers who observed that awareness helps road users to be aware
of the dangers and risks they are exposed to when they fail to comply with road safety
regulation which enables them to avoid such risks.

“When citizens are sensitized on road safety regulations, they acquire

knowledge that helps them understand the dangers and risks associated with
disobeying traffic law. This increases levels of compliance as they avoid these
risks.” KII#1

Even though knowledge of road safety regulations does not guarantee high levels of
compliance, it has been linked to enhanced road safety. Kabue (2017) observes that road
user awareness of all road safety rules were positively correlated to road safety and
played a significant role on the effectiveness of strategies on enhancing road safety.
When road users are aware of the risks of failure to observe road safety regulations, they
tend to be more compliant.

On the contrary lack of awareness of road safety regulations reduces compliance and
increases risk of road accidents. An interview with a senior officer revealed that
pedestrians and hawkers on the Salgaa- Mau Summit Highway were at high risk of
being knocked by vehicles as they were not aware of how to use the road.

36
According to the officer,

“There are vulnerable road users such as hawkers and pedestrians who are
not aware on how to use the road thus putting themselves at risk of being knocked
down by vehicles especially hawkers.” KII#2

The low level of awareness among hawkers and pedestrian along the Salgaa-Mau
Summit Highway could be a major cause of road accidents as low levels of awareness
among road users has been linked to increased risk of road accidents. Mogire (2017)
attributed low levels of awareness on road safety regulations among Kenyans to rising
number of road accidents in the country. According to the study, whilst NTSA had
established a number of road safety strategies, 45% of Kenyans are not conversant with
NTSA road safety strategies. This is partly responsible for the rising number of road
accidents in the country. Juma, (2015) found that lack of awareness of the speed limit
regulations among 80% of the drivers was responsible for the disregard of road safety
rules and over speeding among drivers in addition to other factors such as drinking
alcohol. Therefore it is critical that awareness on road safety regulation is enhanced to
reduce road accidents.

4.4.2 Compliance with Safety Regulations

Road safety regulations are aimed at ensuring safety of road users by preventing and
mitigation the occurrence of accidents. Findings of this study indicate that respondents
strongly agreed that compliance with safety regulations such as maintaining zero
alcohol levels (Mean=4.730; Std. Dev. =0.617); avoiding distracted driving
(Mean=4.700; Std. Dev. =0.541); maintaining required speed limit (Mean=4.660; Std.
Dev. =0.496); and use of safety belts (Mean=4.650; Std. Dev. =0.519) are instrumental
in the reduction of road accidents. This implies that compliance with road safety
regulations is crucial in reduction of road accidents along the Salgaa-Mau Summit
Highway. Calling or texting while driving or walking reduces the awareness and alert
levels of drivers and pedestrians leading to increased risk of accidents (Kim & Wagner,
2014). Therefore, avoiding use of mobile phones increases level of awareness and
alertness while on the road reducing the risk of being involved in an accident as a result
of distraction. Alcohol impairs the cognitive functioning of drivers hence maintaining

37
zero alcohol or recommended levels enhances drivers’ ability to focus and concentrate
while driving minimizing chances of causing accidents (Juma, 2015). Maintaining the
recommended speed limit on the other hand prevents reckless driving and over speeding
which significantly contributes to accidents (Friday et al., 2012).
Interviews with senior officers revealed that compliance with road safety regulations
instilled discipline among drivers and was critical in mitigating road accident risk by
minimizing cases of careless overtaking on the continuous yellow line.
“Incidences of collisions are minimized because there will be no
careless overtaking on the continuous yellow line. Compliance with regulations
also increase discipline among road users thus reducing the risk of road
crashes.” KII#4
Compliance with speed regulations reduces cases of over speeding which was also a
major cause of accidents especially on one of the black spots. There is a sloppy 11km
stretch of the Salgaa-Mau Summit Highway with steep descent which often makes it
hard for vehicles to brake while driving down the slope.
“The road terrain is sloppy. About 11km of the road is sloppy which
frequently results in brake failure causing numerous accidents. Thus speed
governor minimize over speeding on the sloppy terrain effectively reducing
road accidents.” KII#3
“Maintaining the required speed limit reduces incidences of accidents
as a result of over speeding which is a major cause of road accidents along
the Salgaa-Mau Summit Highway.” KII#1

Whilst the respondents strongly agreed that compliance was critical in reduction of road
accidents, interviews with senior officers revealed that disregard of road safety
regulations was a major cause of accidents along the highway. Interviews with senior
police officers in Nakuru County identified non-compliance with road safety
regulations particularly on speeding limit, failure to obey road signage; lane
indiscipline; overtaking on continuous yellow line; and distracted driving as main
causes of road accidents along the Salgaa-Mau Summit Highway.

38
According the officers,

“Failure of PSV drivers to observe the speeding limit, obey road

signage and overtaking on continuous yellow line are the main causes of
road accidents on the Salgaa-Mau Summit highway.” KII#1

“Over speeding by drivers, lane indiscipline, distracted driving

and fatigue are some of the key causes of accidents along the highway.
“KII#4

Failure to comply with road safety regulation is linked to increased cases of road
accidents. Friday et al., (2012) established that 80-95% of road accidents in Uganda
were as a result of drivers engaging in reckless driving, over speeding and drunk driving.
Juma, (2015) found that over speeding among drivers was partly attributed to drinking
alcohol. Kim and Wagner (2014) established that use of mobile phones by pedestrians
and drivers reduces their awareness and alert levels leading to increased risk of
accidents. Talking on the phone increased the risk of accident by 65%; texting increased
risk of accident by 9.1% among pedestrians; and listening to music puts pedestrians at
a higher risk of being involved in accidents. Similarly Sprattler (2012) established that
there were still more road accidents in the USA due to disregard of the speed limits by
drivers. Thus compliance with road safety regulations by road users is critical in
reduction of road accidents. In addition to compliance to traffic laws by road users, there
is need for effective enforcement of the rules by NTSA and traffic police officers as
observed by Wangari et al., (2015).

The respondents agreed that displaying of budges by conductors and drivers

(Mean=3.830; Std. Dev. =0.954); and wearing uniforms by drivers and conductors
(Mean=3.810; Std. Dev. =0.991) play a significant role in reducing road accidents.
Display of budges and wearing of uniforms enhances identification of the driver and
conductor which reduces the possibility of breaking traffic laws as they can easily be
identified by police or reported by passengers increasing the risk of apprehension.

39
4.5 Motor Vehicle Inspections and Certification

The second objective of the study was to examine the effect of motor vehicle inspection
and certification on reduction of road accidents. Respondents were therefore asked to
indicate their extent of agreements on the effectiveness of different aspects of motor vehicle
inspection and certification on reduction of road accidents along the Salgaa- Mau Summit
Highway using a likert scale. Table 4.6 presents findings of the study:

Table 4.6: Motor Vehicle Inspection and Certification

Std.
Statement Minimum Maximum Mean Deviation
Condition of Electric and lighting
2.00 5.00 4.480 .611
system
State of the tires, wheels and axles 4.00 5.00 4.620 .487
General Roadworthiness of the
3.00 5.00 4.740 .463
vehicle
Functionality of the speed governors 3.00 5.00 4.650 .519
Effective Breaking system, clutch and
4.00 5.00 4.720 .451
acceleration
Condition of Vehicle undercarriage,
2.00 5.00 4.460 .673
cab/body works and seatbelts
Aggregate Mean and Standard
4.612 .451
Deviation

An aggregate mean of 4.612 in Table 4.6 indicates that the respondents’ strongly agreed
that motor vehicle inspection and certification play a significant role in the reduction of
road accidents along the Salgaa- Mau Summit Highway. A lower standard deviation of
0.451 indicates that the individual responses on average are 0.4 points away from the
mean. This implies that the data sets are closely clustered around the mean. The findings
are discussed in the subsequent subsections below:

40
4.5.1 Mechanical Conditions of the Vehicles

The mechanical conditions of the vehicle include the brake system, conditions of the tires;
vehicle suspensions; engine; and headlights and taillight (Gitagama, 2014). These aspects
significantly influence the roadworthiness of vehicles as observed during the interview,

“Proper inspection checks on the mechanical conditions of the

vehicle remove motor vehicles that are not roadworthy. This reduces the
risk of road accidents significantly as motor vehicles with high risk of
causing accidents due to faulty systems are not certified to continue
operating on the road.” KII#4

Findings of this study in Table 4.6 indicate that respondents strongly agreed that
functionality of the speed governors (Mean=4.650; Std. Dev. =0.519); effective Breaking
system, clutch and acceleration (Mean=4.720; Std. Dev. =0.451) were instrumental in
reduction of road accidents. Vehicles with effective breaking system reduce the mechanical
failure while anti-shock braking system prevents locking of front wheels in case of an
emergency (Zovak et al., 2016). This study established that functionality of the speed
governor and the braking system is critical in reduction of accidents along the Salgaa-Mau
Summit road particularly due to the terrain of the road. Interviews with senior officers
indicated that the steep nature of about 11km stretch of the road requires drivers to maintain
low speed levels and be able to effectively brake on the steep slope. According to one of
the officers,

“The Salgaa-Mau Summit Highway is poorly designed. The road

is on steep descent making it hard for vehicles to brake downwards.
Therefore an effective breaking system will reduce incidences of break
failures.” KII#4

These sentiments were echoed by another senior police officer who observed that,

“The road terrain is sloppy. About 11km of the road is sloppy which
frequently results in brake failure causing numerous accidents.” KII#3

Faulty brake system often results in mechanical failure especially on steep slopes
causing collisions of vehicles especially when the driver has to apply emergency break.

41
Zovak et al., (2016) established that vehicles that do not undergo regular technical
inspection had a higher rate of brake failure hence higher risk of accidents. Therefore
vehicles that have faulty brake systems are likely to be involved in accidents along the
steep 11km stretch on the Salgaa-Mau Summit Highway.

In addition to the breaking system, the respondents strongly agreed that the state of the
tires, wheels and axles (Mean=4.620; Std. Dev. =0.487) were instrumental in reduction
of road accidents. According to one of the officer vehicles should have properly aligned
suspensions as this ensures that the tires are even; the tires should be properly inflated;
the tires should not be worn out; and should have at least 75% or more of the tyre tread
remaining. This ensures that the vehicle tires and suspension is in good condition
reducing the accidents risks.

“To ensure that the vehicles tire and suspension are in good
condition, the vehicles should have properly aligned suspensions; the
tires should be properly inflated; and should have at least 75% or more
of the tyre tread remaining.” KII#4

Motor vehicles that have not undergone inspection to check on the condition of the tires
and suspension were at a higher risk of being involved in a car crash. Stephanie et al.,
(2013) established that vehicles whose tire pressure had not been checked for the past
period of 3 months were at a significantly high risk of being in road accidents in
comparison to vehicle whose tires pressure had been checked.

The respondents also agreed that the condition of electric and lighting system of the
vehicles (Mean=4.480; Std. Dev. =0.611) were instrumental in reduction of road
accidents. The lighting system (the headlights and the tail lights) of the vehicle are
important in preventing accidents particularly when driving in conditions of low
visibility such as during the night, misty weather and when during rains. According to
one of the senior police officers, when there is low visibility, drivers depend on the
lighting system to see. Therefore vehicles that have dim or broken headlights, brake
lights, indicators or tail lights it is extremely difficult for them to see or other drivers to
spot them significantly increasing the risk of collisions and accidents.

42
The officer observed that,

“Without proper lighting system it becomes extremely difficult to the

driver to drive safely in conditions of low visibility as the driver cannot see
or other drivers cannot spot them. Therefore, when the vehicle’s lighting
system is broken the risk of accidents increase significantly.” KII#4

Vehicles that are not in good mechanical condition have a high risk of being involved
in road accidents. Lewis (2013), revealed that over 15% o of accidents in the country
are caused by the importation of second hand motor vehicles with dangerous mechanical
conditions which increases the risk of motor vehicle accidents. According to Khan
(2011) lack of a motor vehicle inspection leads to faulty vehicles with defective system
of indicator lighting, faulty breaking system, old and damaged tires, loose and
overloaded wheel axles. These faulty mechanical conditions are responsible for the poor
conditions and performance of motor vehicles increasing the risk of them being
involved in road accidents.

4.5.4 General Road Worthiness of the Vehicle

The respondents strongly agreed that the general roadworthiness of the vehicle
(Mean=4.740; Std. Dev. =0.463) and condition of vehicle undercarriage, body works
and seatbelts (Mean=4.460; Std. Dev. =0.673) were instrumental in reduction of road
accidents. According to one of the senior NTSA officers, in addition to the mechanical
condition of the vehicle a road worthy vehicle should not be too old and should not have
visible defects on the body and interior of the vehicle; the vehicle should pass safety
and emissions inspection; have properly functioning wipers for safe driving in the rain;
have seats that are in good condition and functional seat belts; and should have at least
75% or more of the tyre tread remaining. Inspection is conducted to determine if the
vehicle meets these conditions and be certified as being roadworthy.

43
This is very important in reduction of road accidents as he observes that

“Inspection ensures that vehicles are properly maintained; fully

functional and meet all the safety requirements. Such vehicles are unlikely
to be involved in road crashes or accidents.” KII#4

The significance of motor vehicle inspections was emphasized by another senior police
officer who stressed on road side inspection in addition to the inspection and
certification conducted by the Motor Vehicle Inspection Unit. According to the officer,

“When motor vehicles are subjected to inspection, un-roadworthy

motor vehicles will not be found on the road reducing the risks of accidents.
Roadside inspection is particularly very important in ensuring that un-
roadworthy vehicles are removed from the road.” KII#1

However, effectiveness of road side inspection is limited by cases of Corruption among

some of the traffic police officers as observed by one of the senior officers,

“Some of the traffic police officers manning road blocks on the

highway take bribes from drivers allowing drivers with defective PSVs on
the road. However cases of corruption among some of our officers do not
mean that the whole traffic police unit is corrupt.”KII#3

Similar observations were made by Raynor and Mirzoev, (2014) who observed that road
side inspection of motor vehicles does not have much impact on the reduction of road
accidents on the Kenyan roads as PSV drivers bribe police on road block checks. Even
when the PSVs have been inspected and complied with the required safety standard,
traffic police conjecture non-existent problems to receive bribes. Therefore it is easier
to bribe police rather than incur expenses to properly maintain the vehicles.

Whilst the senior officials indicate that vehicles operating on the highway undergo the
annual mandatory inspections, studies have shown that motor vehicle inspection and
certification do not have a significant bearing on the number of road accidents in Kenya.
A study by Kabue (2017) revealed that even though motor vehicle inspection played a
significant role on road safety, annual mandatory inspections had not led to enhanced
road safety as PSVs in the country are given inspection certification without being

44
visually seen by the vehicle inspectors. Lewis (2013) found out that motor vehicle
inspection in Kenya was unreliable and lacked the comprehensive checks as most of the
inspections undertaken were mainly visual and could not guarantee the safety of motor
vehicles. Kingori (2012) established that there is no causality between fatality rate and
the proportion of the number of inspected motor vehicles. Effectiveness of motor
vehicle inspection is negatively affected by corrupt practices among responsible agents
as observed by Raynor and Mirzoev (2014).

4.6 Road Block Checks

The third objective of this study was to establish the effect of police road block checks
on reduction of road accidents. Respondents were therefore asked to indicate their
extent of agreements on whether checks conducted by police officers/NTSA officials
on road blocks had contributed to the reduction of road accidents along the Salgaa-
Mau Summit Highway using a likert scale. Table 4.7 presents findings of the study:

Table 4.7: Road Block Checks

Std.
Statement Minimum Maximum Mean Deviation
Conducting Compliance checks on the
state of Vehicles, identify & remove 1.00 5.00 4.450 .808
non-compliant vehicles from the roads
Enforcing traffic laws such as random
Breath Testing to check on alcohol 1.00 5.00 4.550 .701
levels and enforcing speed limits
Detecting, Arresting and prosecuting
1.00 5.00 4.440 .715
traffic offenders
Conducting investigations into the
2.00 5.00 4.460 .657
causes of accidents
Enhancing levels of compliance due to
the perceived risk of apprehension and
2.00 5.00 4.420 .571
identification of offenders who fail to
comply with road safety regulations
Aggregate Mean and Standard
4.464 .690
Deviation

45
An aggregate mean of 4.464 in Table 4.7 indicates that the respondents’ strongly agreed
that road block checks contribute to reduction of road accidents along the Salgaa-Mau
Summit Highway. A lower standard deviation of 0.690 indicates that the individual
responses on average are 0.6 points away from the mean. This implies that the data sets
are closely clustered around the mean. The findings are discussed in the subsequent
subsections below:

4.6.1 Compliance Checks

The police and NTSA officials mount road blocks on the roads to conduct checks aimed
at ensuring that road users comply with road safety regulations. Findings of this study
as indicated in Table 4.7 indicate that respondents strongly agreed that enforcing traffic
laws such as random breath testing to check on alcohol levels and enforcing speed limits
(Mean=4.550; Std. Dev. =0.701) contribute to reduction of road accidents along the
Salgaa-Mau Summit Highway. Checking on compliance with the recommended alcohol
levels ensures that drivers who are at risk of causing accidents due to intoxication and
saturated alcohol levels are not allowed to drive. This ensures that only sober drivers
who are able to focus and concentrate on the road are allowed to drive minimizing
chances of causing accidents. Checking on compliance with the recommended speed
levels ensures that drivers who are driving reckless and over speeding are detained
reducing risks of accidents on the road. Senior officers made the following observation
in reference to road side compliance checks,

“Road blocks enable police to detect drivers whose alcohol levels

exceed the required levels and those who are driving beyond the required
speed limit ensuring that drivers with potential to cause accidents are
removed from the road before they actually cause accidents.” KII#2

“Drivers tend to be canvasing only reducing speed when approaching police

road block. To enhance detection of drivers who are over speeding, Police officers use
speed cameras to monitor drivers speed from cars packed away from visibility of the
drivers in random spots. As a result majority of over speeding drivers are caught
unaware.” KII#4

46
Scott (2010) observes that random road watches where police mount road blocks at
different points on the road rather than one single stationary point for several
consecutive days to check on alcohol levels and use unmarked police vehicles hidden
on the roadside to monitor speed limits are effective techniques that enhance
apprehension of drunk and over speeding drivers. Studies by the European Transport
Safety Council (2010) have shown that a combination of a high number stationery and
random unpredictable tests in terms of time and place spread over a broad area are
effective in deterring drunk driving; result in reduction of casualties by 6% and fatal
accidents by 14%; and use of speed camera technology led to reduction of casualties by
19% with urban areas reporting larger reductions of up to 28%. Therefore the techniques
used by NTSA officers to check on speed of drivers on the Salgaa-Mau Summit
Highway may significantly contribute to reduction of accidents on the highway.

Whilst NTSA and police officers technique maybe effective in detection of over
speeding drivers, the stationery nature of most police road blocks render police checks
ineffective in reducing road accidents. Muguro et al., (2020) observes that even though
NTSA in collaboration with police officers monitor road malpractices using random
crack downs and check points, the impact on reduction of road traffic accidents is very
mild as traffic police mainly use stationery check points with minimal random checks
and patrols. As a result the drivers are aware of the check points and tend to comply
with traffic laws when around this areas where police are present. Consequently the
definitiveness of the police road blocks has encouraged dangerous and reckless driving
in areas that are outside the monitored zone.

The respondents further agreed conducting compliance checks on the state of vehicles,
identify & remove non-compliant vehicles from the roads (Mean=4.450; Std. Dev.
=0.808) contribute to reduction of road accidents along the Salgaa-Mau Summit
Highway. Vehicles that have defective system of indicator lighting, faulty breaking
system, old and damaged tires, loose and overloaded wheel axles increase the risk of
being involved in road accidents (Khan, 2011). Checking on the state of the vehicles
ensures that un-roadworthy vehicles with defective and nonfunctional mechanical
systems are removed from the road as indicated by the interview excerpts below,

47
 “Through road side checks, motor vehicles that are not roadworthy
and at high risk of causing accidents are identified and are removed from the
road reducing the possibility of road accident.” KII#1

“Police conduct road side inspection of vehicles to ensure that all

vehicles are fully compliant. This reduces un-roadworthy vehicles that are
likely to be involved in road accidents.” KII#4

Whereas road side checks by police are effective in removing vehicles that are not
roadworthy, studies have shown corruption by police officers render checks ineffective.
Raynor and Mirzoev (2014) study has revealed that even when police detect
defectiveness in PSV vehicles, Matatu drivers normally pay bribes to the police and are
allowed to continue operating with vehicles that have defective and nonfunctional
mechanical systems. This increases the risk of accidents on the road.

4.6.2 Arrest and Prosecution of Offenders

Even though compliance checks help to remove drivers with high risk of causing
accidents on the road, this is instrumental in mitigating cases of accidents as accidents
are unpredictable. Therefore when accidents occur, traffic police officers seal off the
scene of the accidents and conduct detailed analysis to determine the drivers who are at
fault, arrest these drivers and obtain evidence that will secure prosecution of the
offensive drivers (Mashhadi et al., 2017). Findings of this study indicate that
respondents agreed that arresting and prosecuting traffic offenders (Mean=4.440; Std.
Dev. =0.715); and conducting investigations into the causes of accidents (Mean=4.460;
Std. Dev. =0.657) contribute to reduction of road accidents along the Salgaa-Mau
Summit Highway. Arrest of drivers who are violating road safety rules such as over
speeding and those who are drunk removes potential risks of accidents on the road
(Mashhadi et al., 2017). According to one of the senior police officers subsequent
prosecution of these drivers contributes to behavior change reducing cases of over
speeding, drunk driving, overtaking on the continuous yellow line and lane indiscipline.

“Arrest and prosecution of offenders removes potential risks of accidents such

as over speeding, drunk driving, overtaking on the continuous yellow line and lane

48
indiscipline. Prosecuting those who violating traffic rules or those at fault in road
accidents promotes behaviour change among violators of traffic rules.” KII#1

The respondents also agreed that enhancing levels of compliance due to the perceived
risk of apprehension and identification of offenders who fail to comply with road safety
regulations contribute to reduction of road accidents along the Salgaa-Mau Summit
Highway (Mean=4.420; Std. Dev. =0.571). Road users tend to comply with traffic rules
and road safety regulations when they know traffic police or NTSA officers are on the
road due to the perception that they risk of being arrested is high. Therefore the presence
of police road block checks tends to enhance compliance.

“Road block check help to dissuade potential offenders by ensuring that

individuals adhere to the traffic rules.” KII#3

The significance of police road block checks on the road is emphasized by findings of
Mashhadi et al., (2017). Generally increased police presence on the highways and roads
leads to a reduction on violation of traffic regulations due to the increased possibility of
detection of reckless and dangerous behaviour and subsequent arrest. Due to the
increased perception of arrest, drivers tend to refrain from over speeding and drunk
driving when police checks are mounted on different spots of the road minimizing cases
of road accidents.

4.7 Enforcement of Penalties on Traffic Offenders

The fourth objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of penalties enforcement on
reduction of road accidents. Respondents were therefore asked to indicate their extent
of agreements on the effectiveness of imposing penalties on traffic offenders in reducing
road accidents along the Salgaa- Mau Summit Highway using a likert scale. Table 4.8
presents findings of the study:

49
Table 4.8: Enforcement of Penalties on Traffic Offenders
Std.
Statement Minimum Maximum Mean Deviation
Imposition of heavy fines 1.00 5.00 3.370 1.444
Suspension of driving license
1.00 5.00 3.660 1.304
and the PSV-SACCO licenses
Imprisonment of traffic
1.00 5.00 3.310 1.353
violators
Impounding of the offenders
1.00 5.00 3.380 1.187
vehicles
Mandatory rehabilitation or
1.00 5.00 3.600 1.172
Community service
Aggregate Mean and
3.464 1.292
Standard Deviation

An aggregate mean of 3.464 in Table 4.8 indicates that the respondents’ strongly agreed
that enforcement of penalties on traffic offenders contribute to reduction of road
accidents along the Salgaa-Mau Summit Highway. A standard deviation of 1.292
indicates that the individual responses on average are 1.2 points away from the mean.
This implies that the data sets are closely clustered around the mean.

Imposition of penalties aims at deterring the general population from committing traffic
related offences due to fear of the high penalties that may be imposed on them if they
commit the offences and deterring re-occurrence of the offending behaviour among
road users who violate traffic laws (Elvik, 2016). Findings of this study revealed that
respondents were neutral on whether imposition of heavy fines (Mean=3.370; Std. Dev.
=1.444); Suspension of driving license and the PSV SACCO (Mean=3.660; Std. Dev.
=1.304); Imprisonment of traffic violators (Mean=3.310; Std. Dev. =1.353);
Impounding of the offenders vehicles (Mean=3.380; Std. Dev. =1.187); and Mandatory
rehabilitation or community service (Mean=3.600; Std. Dev. =1.172) had contributed
to reduction of road accidents. This implies that the respondents were uncertain on

50
whether enforcement of these penalties had reduced the number of accidents on the
Salgaa- Mau Summit Highway. Even though some of the senior officers were on the
view that penalties deter road users from violating traffic laws and safety regulations
due to the fear of fines, having a criminal record, suspension of their driving licence and
being imprisoned, they are not effective particularly in deterring repeating violation of
traffic laws. According to some of the officers, the punitive measures were ineffective
as evidenced by recidivism among offenders. This was attributed to lenience in some of
the punitive measures and corruption which allows those violating traffic laws to get
away with their offences without being punished. Below are excerpts of the interviews.
“Enforcement of penalties and punishments deter road users from
repeating offences.” KII#1

“No, enforcement of punitive measures is not effective in reducing

accidents. Some punishments are lenient and do not have an impact on the
offenders. Corruption prevents effective implementation of penalties as the
offenders bribe officers and gets way without being punished. As a result there
have been many cases of repeat offenders who have been arrested severally.”
KII#2

According to the Deterrence Theory, effectiveness of punishment as a deterrence from

committing crimes is dependent on the certainty of punishment and the severity of
punishment. Punitive measures are effective in deterring recidivism when the offender is
certain that committing a crime will lead to their apprehension and subsequent punishment.
Punishment also deters offending behaviour if the penalty imposed for the crime is severe
and harsh enough to prevent the offender form repeating the crime. Therefore observation
by the officer that some punishments are lenient may not discourage those violating traffic
laws and safety regulations from repeating their offences. Further the offenders’ knowledge
that they can get away with bribing police officers encourage repeated violation of traffic
laws. This explains why the senior traffic officer observed that there were cases of repeated
offenders who had been arrested severally violating traffic laws and road safety regulations.
Mashhadi et al., (2017) argues that when traffic offenders pay heavily for violating
traffic rules it reduces their chances of repeating the offending behaviour. A study by
Elvik (2016) established that increasing fines for traffic offences between 50 and 100%

51
lead to a decrease in traffic violations by 15%; accident by 5-10% and reduced fatal
accidents by 1-12%. Information provided by the NTSA regional manager indicates the
different fines for violating traffic laws as indicated in Table 4.8:

Table 4.8: Traffic Offence Fines

Traffic Offence Fine (KSH)
1. Talking or texting on the phone while driving 2000
2. Dropping or picking passengers in undesignated terminals; 3000
Failure to wear official driver attire with an identification badge
and a picture; and Disobeying traffic signs
3. Driving without a licence or failure to stick the licence on the 7000
vehicle
4. Failure to renew driving licence 1000
Lack of an insurance certificate 100000
Exceeding speed limit by 1-5 km/hr. 500
Exceeding speed limit by 6-10 km/hr. 3000
Exceeding speed limit by 11 to 15 km/hr. 6000
Exceeding speed limit by more than 16km/hr. 10000
Lack of safety belts 1000@seat
Lack of a fire extinguisher 2000
5. Entering of getting off PSV at undesignated terminals; Failure 1000
to wear protective gear (helmets) and reflectors
Failure to wear seat belts; walking on undesignated places on 500
the road

From Table 4.8 it is only failure to insure PSV that attracts a heavy penalty of KSH.
100,000. The rest of the fines imposed are not severe enough to deter repetition of
violation of traffic laws and safety regulations as observed by one of the senior officers.
Corruption sighted by some of the officers may also render the fines less punitive as
offenders may be released after bribing the officers with a lesser amount. Hence
enforcement of penalties may not be effective. A study by Elvik (2016) established that
increasing fines has no effect in deterring traffic violations among severe and frequent
offenders. Therefore cases of repeat offenders as a result of leniency of fines and
corruption render punitive measures ineffective in reducing road accidents along the
Salgaa-Mau Summit Highway.

52
4.8 Road Accidents along the Salgaa- Mau Summit Highway

This study also sought to determine the number of road accidents for the last five years
(2017-2021) to determine if the road accidents had reduced along the Salgaa- Mau
summit Highway. Data was collected from three police stations operation along the
highway: Mau Summit, Salgaa and Molo. Figure4.1indicates the statistics and trends
on the road accidents and the corresponding fatalities on the Salagaa-Mau Summit
Highway between 2017 and 2021:

Trends in Road Accidents along the Salgaa-Mau

Summit Highway between 2017-2021
Number of Road Accidents, Fatalities &

180

160

140

120
Injuries

100

80

60

40

20

0
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Road Accidents 69 55 106 82 115
Fatalities 157 49 51 45 55
Serious Injuries 60 47 78 23 41

Figure 4.1: Road Accidents along the Salgaa- Mau Summit Highway

Figure 4.1 above indicates that the number of road accidents, fatalities and serious injuries
along the Salgaa-Mau Summit Highway is characterized by cyclical decrease and increase.
The number of road accidents declined by 20% from 69 in 2017 to 55 in 2018. However
there was a significant rise by 93% to 106 accidents in 2019 which declined by 23% to 82
accidents in 2020. In 2021 the accidents increased by 40% to 115 in 2021. There was a

53
significant decrease in the number of fatalities by 69% from 157 in 2017 to 49 in 2018
which increased slightly by 4% to 51 in 2019. However this decreased by 12% to 45
fatalities in 2020 and rose again by 22% to 55 fatalities in 2021. The number of serious
injuries declined by 22% from 60 in 2017 to 47 in 2018 and rose significantly by 66% to
78 victims in 2019. However in 2020 the number of serious injuries declined significantly
by 71% to 23 and rose again significantly by 78% to 41 in 2021. A significant increase in
road accidents (93%) was experienced in 2019; a significant decrease in the number of
fatalities (69%) was experienced in 2018; a significant decrease in the number of serious
injuries (71%) was experienced in 2020 and the highest increase in serious injuries (78%)
in 2021.

4.9 Regression Analysis

Regression analysis was used to determine the significance of the correlation between
traffic law enforcement and road accidents as indicated in the subsequent subsections:

4.9.1 Model Summary

The model summary measures the proportion of variability in the dependent variable as
explained by the regression line as indicated in Table 4.10:

Table 4.10: Model Summary

Adjusted R

Model R R Square Square Std. Error of the Estimate

1 .736a .542 .523 .78233

a. Predictors: (Constant), Compliance with Road Safety Regulations, Motor Vehicle

Inspection and Certification, Road Block Checks, Penalty Enforcement

The results of coefficient of determination in Table 4.10 indicate that the value of R
square is 0.542 which is adjusted to 0.523. This represents proportion of variance in
road accidents as explained by the independent variables. This implies that the
independent variables account for 54.2% variation in road accidents. The remaining

54
45.8% in accounted by other factors such as the design of the road, terrain of the road
and weather conditions.

4.10.2 Analysis of Variance

One way Analysis of Variance was used to determine the significance of the regression
model as shown in Table 4.11:

Table 4.11: Analysis of Variance

Sum of Mean

Model Squares Df Square F Sig.

1 Regression 68.817 4 17.204 28.110 .000b

Residual 58.143 96 .612

Total 126.960 100

a. Dependent Variable: Road Accidents

b. Predictors: (Constant), Compliance with Road Safety Regulations, Motor Vehicle

Inspection and Certification, Road Block Checks, Penalty Enforcement

Table 4.13 shows that the significance of the regression model is 0.000 and the value of
F statistics is 28.110. The significance of the regression model is less than the
significance level of 0.05 implying that the regression model was statistically significant
and a good fit. Therefore Compliance with Road Safety Regulations, Motor Vehicle
Inspection and Certification, Road Block Checks, Penalty Enforcement have a
significant effect on road accidents.

4.10.3 Co-Efficient of Correlation

Multiple regression model was used to determine the significance of the correlation
between traffic law enforcement and road accidents as indicated in Table 4.12:

55
Table 4.12: Coefficients of Correlation
Unstandardized Standardized
Coefficients Coefficients
Model B Std. Error Beta T Sig.
1 (Constant) 3.689 .903 4.085 .000
Compliance with
road safety -.767 .222 -1.002 -3.458 .001
regulations
Motor Vehicle
Inspection and -.485 .323 -.511 -2.501 .000
Certification
Road Block Checks -.526 .155 -.726 -3.392 .001
Enforcement of
.266 .107 .759 2.476 .000
Penalties
a. Dependent Variable: Road Accidents

The following regression equation can be derived based on the co-efficient of

correlation in Table 4.12:

Road Accidents = 3.689-0.767* Compliance with Road Safety Regulations -0.485*

Motor Vehicle Inspection & Certification- 0.526* Road Block Checks+ 0.266* Penalty
Enforcement+e

Therefore:

Y= 3.689-0.767X1-0.485X2-0.526 X3+0.266X4+e

The regression equation above derived from Table 4.12 demonstrated the Co-efficient
of correlation of the regression equation. While holding all the independent variables
constant, at zero Road Accidents=3.689. A unit rise in Compliance with Road Safety
Regulations while holding Motor Vehicle Inspection and Certification, Road Block
Checks and Penalty Enforcement constant leads to decrease in Road Accidents by 0.767
(p=0.001<0.05). A unit rise in Motor Vehicle Inspection and Certification while holding
Compliance with Road Safety Regulations, Road Block Checks and Penalty
Enforcement constant leads to a decrease in road accidents by 0.485 (p=0.000<0.05).
A unit rise in Road Block Checks while holding Compliance with Road Safety

56
Regulations, Motor Vehicle Inspection and Certification and Penalty Enforcement
constant leads to decrease in road accidents by 0.526 (P=0.000< 0.05). However a unit
rise in Penalty Enforcement while holding Compliance with Road Safety Regulations,
Motor Vehicle Inspection and Certification and Road Block Checks constant leads to
an increase in road accidents by 0.266 (P=0.001< 0.05). Even though enforcement of
penalties has a significant effect on road accidents, it does not contribute to reduction
of road accidents.

Therefore it can be inferred that at 5% significance level and a confidence level of 95%,
Compliance with Road Safety Regulations, Motor Vehicle Inspection and Certification,
Road Block Checks have a significant effect on reduction of road accidents.

57
 CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMEDATIONS

5.1 Introduction

This chapter provides a summary of the study findings, the conclusions made thereof,
policy recommendations and recommendation for further research.

5.2 Summary of the Findings

The findings are summarized in accordance with the research objectives.

5.2.1 Effect of Compliance with Road Safety Regulations on Reduction of Road

Accidents

Findings of this study indicate that awareness of road safety regulations is fundamental
in enhancing compliance with road safety regulations and consequently reduction of
road accidents along the Salgaa-Mau Summit highway. Awareness helps road users to
be aware of the dangers and risks they are exposed to when they fail to comply with
road safety regulation. Therefore they tend to be more compliant and avoid such risks.
However, low level of awareness among hawkers and pedestrian on how to use the
Salgaa-Mau Summit Highway safely is a major risk of road accidents. The pedestrians
and hawkers on the Highway are at high risk of being knocked by vehicles as they are
not aware of how to use the highway safely

The study further established that compliance with road safety regulation was
instrumental to ensuring safety of road users by preventing and mitigation the
occurrence of accidents. Avoidance of use of mobile phones increases level of
awareness and alertness of drivers and pedestrians reducing the risk of being involved
in an accident as a result of distraction. Maintaining zero alcohol or recommended levels
enhances drivers’ ability to focus and concentrate while driving minimizing chances of
causing accidents. Compliance with speed regulations reduces cases of reckless driving

58
and speeding, a major cause of accidents on the sloppy 11km stretch of the Salgaa-Mau
Summit Highway with steep descent which often makes it hard for vehicles to break
down the slope. Compliance with road safety regulations instils lane discipline among
drivers and is critical in preventing/minimizing cases of careless overtaking on the
continuous yellow line. However disregard of road safety regulations particularly on
speeding limit, failure to obey road signage; lane indiscipline; overtaking on continuous
yellow line; and distracted driving are major causes of road accidents along the Salgaa-
Mau Summit Highway.

Display of badges and wearing of uniforms enhances identification of the driver and
conductor which reduces the possibility of breaking traffic laws as they can easily be
identified by police or reported by passengers increasing the risk of apprehension.

5.2.2 Effect of Motor Vehicle Inspection and Certification on Reduction of Road

Accidents

Findings of this study indicate that motor vehicle inspection and certification ensure
that faulty vehicle with defective system of indicator lighting; faulty breaking system;
old and damaged tires; and loose and overloaded wheel axles with a high risk of
accidents are not allowed to operate on the road. Functionality of the speed governor
and the braking system is critical in reduction of accidents particularly due to the steep
nature of about 11km stretch of the Salgaa-Mau Summit road that requires drivers to
maintain low speed levels and be able to effectively to brake on the steep slope. This
prevents cases of mechanical failure on steep slopes that cause collisions of vehicles
especially when the driver has to apply emergency break. Vehicles whose tyres have
more that 75% of tread; are properly inflated with properly aligned suspensions; and
have functional lighting system (the headlights and the tail lights) significantly reduce
the risk of accidents. The headlights and the tail lights are particularly important when
driving in conditions of low visibility as they enable the driver to see or other drivers to
spot them significantly reducing the risk of collisions.

59
The study also found out that motor vehicles operating the Salgaa-Mau Summit
Highway undergo the annual mandatory inspection by the motor vehicle inspection unit.
This ensures that vehicles are properly maintained; fully functional; and meet all the
safety requirements reducing the possibility of being involved in road crashes or
accidents. Additionally police conduct road side inspections to remove un-roadworthy
motor vehicles from the highway. However, effectiveness of road side inspection is
limited by some of the traffic police officers manning road blocks on the highway who
take bribes from drivers allowing drivers with defective vehicles on the road. This limits
effectiveness of motor vehicle inspection in reducing accidents along the Salgaa-Mau
summit Highway.

5.2.3 Effect of Road Block Checks on Reduction of Road Accidents

The police and NTSA officials mount road blocks on the roads to conduct checks aimed
at ensuring that road users comply with road safety regulations. Checking on
compliance with the recommended alcohol levels ensures that drivers who are at risk of
causing accidents due to intoxication and saturated alcohol levels are not allowed to
drive. Checking on compliance with the recommended speed levels ensures that drivers
who are driving reckless and over speeding are detained reducing risks of accidents on
the road.

Use of speed cameras to monitor drivers speed from cars packed away from visibility
of the drivers in random spot by the police and NTSA officers has enhanced detection
and arrest of over speeding drivers who as they are caught unaware. Whilst the
technique maybe effective in detection of speeding drivers, the stationery nature of most
police roadblocks render police checks ineffective in reducing road accidents. The
definitiveness of the police road blocks has encouraged dangerous and reckless driving
in areas that are outside the monitored zone and tendency to comply in areas where
police are present. Police also conduct compliance checks on the state of vehicles,
identify & remove non-compliant vehicles from the roads ensuring vehicles with

60
defective and nonfunctional mechanical systems are removed from the the Salgaa-Mau
Summit Highway road reducing the possibility of road accidents.

Police manning roadblocks along the Salgaa- Mau Summit Highway, arrest of drivers
violating road safety rules such as speeding and drunk driving, remove potential risks
of accidents on the road. Subsequent prosecution of these drivers contributes to behavior
change reducing cases of speeding, drunk driving, overtaking on the continuous yellow
line and lane indiscipline. Further due to the increased perception of arrest, drivers tend
to refrain from speeding and drunk driving when police checks are mounted on different
spots of the highway minimizing cases of road accidents.

5.2.4 Effect of Enforcement of Penalties on Reduction of Road Accidents

Even though imposition of penalties aims at deterring violation of traffic laws and
preventing the repetition of re-occurrence of the offending behaviour, findings of this
study revealed that respondents were uncertain on whether imposition of fines;
suspension of driving license and the PSV SACCO; imprisonment of traffic violators;
impounding of the offenders vehicles; and mandatory rehabilitation had contributed to
reduction in road accidents on the Salgaa- Mau Summit Highway. Even though
penalties deter road users from violating traffic, they are not effective particularly in
deterring recidivism among offenders.
Punitive measures are effective in deterring recidivism in violation of traffic laws and
safety regulations if the likelihood of being apprehended and punished is high. Punishment
will also deter repeated violation of traffic laws if the penalty imposed for the crime is
severe and harsh enough to prevent the offender from repeating the crime. However most
of the fines/penalties lenient may not discourage those violating traffic laws and safety
regulations from repeating their offences. It is only failure to insure PSV that attracts a
heavy penalty of KSH. 100,000. Most violations attract fines of between 500-10,000
Kenyan shillings. These fines are not severe enough to deter repetition of violation of traffic
laws and safety regulations. Offenders’ knowledge that they can get away with bribing
police officers encourage repeated violation of traffic laws. Hence leniency of
fines/penalties and corruption by some of the traffic police render punitive measures

61
ineffective in reducing road accidents along the Salgaa-Mau Summit Highway as
evidenced by cases of repeat offenders.

5.3 Conclusions of the Study

This study concludes that:

Compliance with road safety regulation prevents and mitigates occurrence of accidents
by increasing level of awareness and alertness of drivers and pedestrians; enhancing
drivers’ ability to focus and concentrate while driving, reducing cases of reckless
driving and over speeding; and preventing/minimizing cases of careless overtaking on
the continuous yellow line. However disregard of road safety regulations and low level
of awareness among hawkers and pedestrian on how to use the Salgaa-Mau Summit
Highway safely is a major risk/cause of road accidents.

The annual mandatory motor vehicle inspection ensures that vehicles operating along
the Salgaa-Mau Summit Highway are properly maintained in good mechanical
condition; are fully functional; and meet all the safety requirements reducing the risk
being involved in accidents. However some of the traffic police officers conducting road
side inspections take bribes allowing drivers with un-roadworthy motor vehicles on the
highway.

Police manning roadblocks along the Salgaa- Mau Summit Highway mitigate risks of
accidents by identifying and detaining drunk and speeding drivers; identify & removal
of non-compliant vehicles with defective mechanical systems and increasing perceived
risk of apprehension among those violating traffic laws. However the definitiveness of
the police road blocks has encouraged reckless driving outside the monitored zone and
tendency to comply in areas where police are present.

Leniency of fines/penalties and corruption by some of the traffic police render punitive
measures ineffective deterring violation of road safety regulations and subsequent
reduction of road accidents along the Salgaa-Mau Summit Highway as evidenced by
cases of repeat offenders.

62
At 5% significance level and a confidence level of 95%, Compliance with Road Safety
Regulations, Motor Vehicle Inspection and Certification, Road Block Checks has a
significant effect on reduction of road accidents.

5.4 Recommendations of the Study

This study makes the following recommendations:

The National Transport and Safety Authority conduct enhanced awareness campaigns to
sensitize the public on road safety especially among pedestrians, drivers, motorcyclists and
hawkers using the Salgaa-Mau Summit Highway.

The Kenya National Highway Authority expands the Salgaa-Mau summit Highway;
elongate the runaway ramps on the 11 km stretch with a steep slope to check on speeding
vehicles; erect footbridges in populated areas such as Molo and Salgaa; make road signage
more visible; and puts up lighting along the 20.7km stretch of the highway to enhance
visibility.

The Traffic police officers and the NTSA officers to increase the number of random checks
along the Salgaa-Mau Summit Highway to address cases of canvassing drivers who comply
with traffic law and road safety regulations where police are present and violate the
regulations when outside the monitored zone.

The Traffic Act 2016 to be amended to impose severe and harsh penalties and fines among
those violating traffic laws and road safety regulations to prevent recidivism among
violators.

5.5 Recommendations for Further Research

There is need to conduct studies on:

1. The effect of the road design on reduction of road accidents along the Salgaa-Mau
Summit Highway.
2. Influence of pedestrians road user behavior on road accidents along the Salgaa-Mau
Summit Highway

63
 REFERENCES

Agbonkhese, O., Yisa, G., Agbonkhese, E., Akanbi, D., Aka, E. & Mondigha, E. (2013).
Road traffic accidents in Nigeria: Causes and preventive measures. Civil and
Environmental Research Journal 3 (3), 90-99.
Asalor, J. O. (2010). Towards improved road safety in Nigeria. Porto-Novo: University of
Benin.
Blincoe L., Miller, T.R., Zaloshnja, E. & Lawrence, B, A. (2015). The Economic and
Societal Impact of Motor Vehicle Crashes, 2010, revised edition. Washington, DC:
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Borg, W.J. & Gall, M.D. 2009). Educational Research: An introduction. Longman:
University of Oregon
CDC. (2014). Motor Vehicle Crash Deaths. Retrieved on October 16 2020 from:
https://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/motor-vehicle-safety/index.html.
Cooper, D.R., & Schindler, P.S. (2003). Business Research Methods. (8th Ed.). New York:
McGraw-Hill Companies.
European Transport Safety Council. (2010). Police enforcement strategies to reduce traffic
casualties in Europe. Brussels: European Transport Safety Council Publications.
Elvik, R. (2016). Association between increase in fixed penalties and road safety outcomes:
A meta-analysis. Accident Analysis and Prevention, 92:202-210.
Elvik, R. (2015). Speed enforcement in Norway: testing a game-theoretic model of the
interaction between drivers and the police. Accident Analysis and Prevention,
84:128-133.
Friday, D., Tukamuhaba, B. & Muhwezi, M. (2012). Road Communiction Technology and
Safety Regulations enforcement in Uganda. International Journal of Advance in
Management and Economics 3(3):17-26.
Guest, G., Bunce, A., & Johnson, L. (2006). How many interviews are enough? An
experiment with data saturation and variability. Field Methods Vol 18(1):59–82
Gitagama, M. (2014). Public transport sector perception on television programming on
road safety. A case study Nairobi County. Journal of Transport and Land Use
2(4):72-79.

64
GOK. (2012). The National Transport and Safety Authority Act, 2012. Nairobi:
Government Printer.
GoK & SIDA. (2010). National Road Safety Action Plan 2005-2010. Nairobi:Government
Printer.
GoK. (2003). 2003 and 2004 Legal Notices Nos. 161, 83 and 97. Nairobi: Government
Printer.
GoK. (2004). Transformation of Road Transport Report, MOTC. Nairobi: Government
Printer.
Kabue, J. M. (2017). The influence of NTSA strategies on performance of Zusha road
safety projects in Nakuru County Kenya. Unpublished Master Thesis University of
Nairobi.
Kahenda, M. & Chepkwony, J. (Novemebr 1, 2019). The Nakuru-Eldoret highway barrier
that has cut accidents. Nairobi: The Standard Newspaper.
Khan, R. A. (2011). Drivers comfort level in construction zones with reduced transition
taper length: A case study of Pakistan conditions. Asian Review of Traffic Safety 2
(5):67-72.
Kombo K. D. & Tromp A. L. (2009) Proposal and Thesis Writing.An Introduction.
Nairobi. Paulines Publication Africa.
Kothari, C. R. (2004). Research methodology: Methods and techniques. New Delhi: New
Age International (P) Limited Publishers.
Lewis, M. (2013). Determinants of severity of road accidents involving Buses along
Kenyan Highways: A case of Nairobi-Kisumu Highway. Journal of Road Safety,
Accountability and Leadership 5(3): 9-15.
Mashhadi, M.M. R., Promothes, S. & Khaled, K. (2017). Impact of traffic Enforcement
on Traffic Safety. International Journal of Police Science & Management 10(11):
1-8.
Matara & Mwangi. (September 16, 2019). The deadly black spots along Nakuru-Nairobi
highway. Nairobi: The Daily Nation Newspaper.
Mogire, R.M. (2017). Road Users’ Perception of National Transport and Safety Authority
Road Accident Reduction Strategies in Kenya. Journal of Management and
Business Administration, 2(1).

65
Moolenaar, D.E.G. (2014). Motorists’ response to an increase in traffic fines. Journal
Criminology, 1-12.
Mugenda, O. M., & Mugenda, A. G. (2009).Research Methods: Quantitative and Qualitative
Approaches. Nairobi: African Centre for Technology Studies.

Muguro, K.M., Minoru, S., Matsushita, K. & Waweru, N. (2020) Trend analysis and
fatality causes in Kenyan roads: A review of road traffic accident data between 2015 and
2020. Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 7: (1):179798.

Nichols, J.L., Tippetts, A.S., Fell, J.C. & Auld-Owens, A.(2010). Strategies to increase
seat belt use: An analysis of levels of fines and the type of law. Washington
D.C.:Department of Transportation & the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration
NTSA (2016). National Transport and Safety Authority road safety report 2015.Nairobi:
the National Transport and Safety Authority.
NTSA. (2020). National Transport and Safety Authority road safety report. Retrieved on
October 16, 2020 from:
http://www.ntsa.go.ke/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=237.
PWC. (2017). A Guide for Policy Makers: on Reducing Road Fatalities. Retrieved on
October 16 2020 from: https://www.pwc.com/m1/en/publications/road-
safety/pwc-guide-on-reducing-road-fatalities.pdf.
Raynor, N. J. & Mirzoev, T. (2014). Understanding road safety in Kenya: views of matatu
drivers. Journal of International Volume 6: 242–248.
Scott, A. (2010). The Effect of Police Enforcement on Road Traffic Accidents. Edinburgh:
Edinburgh Napier University.
Stephanie, B., Ivers, R. Q., Connor, J. & Ameratunga, S. (2013). Does periodic vehicle
inspection reduce car crash injury? Evidence from the Auckland Car Crash Injury
Study. New South Wales: Institute for International Health, The University of
Sydney.
Thompson, D.C., Rivara, F.P. & Thompson, R. (2016). Helmets for preventing head and
facial injuries in bicyclists. Cochrane Database for Systematic Reviews.

66
Wangari, C. N., Ratemo, M. B. & Mwai, K. L. (2015). Analysis of Causes & Response
Strategies of Road Traffic Accidents in Kenya. Journal of Business and
Management, Volume 17, Issue 4. PP 58-77.
WHO. (2016). Global Status Report on Road Safety 2015. Geneva, Switzerland. The World
Health Organization.
Zovak, G., Kučinić, T. & Ševo, I. (2016). Importance of technical inspection of vehicles
after traffic accidents. International Scientific Journal "Trans Motauto World"
Volume I, Issue 4: 3-6.

67
 APPENDICES

Appendix I: Letter of Introduction

CHRIS OTIENO

KENYATTA UNIVERSITY

Dear Respondent,

My name is Chris Otieno. I am conducting a study on Effects of Traffic Law

Enforcement on Reduction of Road Accidents along the Salgaa- Mau Summit

Highway in Nakuru County partial requirement for conferment of Masters of Arts in

Public Policy and Administration of Kenyatta University

Kindly follow instructions and provide answers to all the questions. Information that you

will provide will be used for academic purposes only and kept confidential. Your

assistance towards this course is highly appreciated.

Contact me through 0727150445 for clarifications and any other questions you may have.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

68
Appendix II: Questionnaire
Instructions: Kindly tick or provide answers appropriately for each of the question.
SECTION A: BASIC INFORMATION
1. What is your gender? Male [ ] Female [ ]
2. Indicate your age bracket
21-30 years [ ]
31-40 years [ ]
41-50 years [ ]
Over 50 years [ ]
3. What is your level of education?
Primary [ ]
Secondary [ ]
College [ ]
University [ ]
4. How long have you served in your current position?
Less than 5 years [ ]
5-10 years [ ]
More than 10 years [ ]
SECTION B: COMPLIANCE WITH ROAD SAFETY REGULATIONS
5. Below are statements on influence of compliance with road safety regulations on
the reduction of road accidents. Indicate your extent of agreement with the
statements (SD= Strongly Disagree; D=Disagree; , N= Neutral; A =Agreed; and
SA=Strongly Agreed)
Q Compliance with the following road safety SA A N D S
regulations play a significant role in the
D
reduction of road accidents along the Salgaa-
Mau Summit Highway

1. Maintaining required speed limit

2. Use of safety belts

69
 3. Avoiding distracted driving (use of mobile phones)

4. Displaying of budges by conductors and drivers

5. Wearing uniforms by drivers and conductors

6. Maintaining zero alcohol levels

7. Awareness of road Safety regulations

SECTION C: MOTOR VEHICLE INSPECTIONS AND CERTIFICATION

6. Below are statements on Influence of inspection of vehicles and certification on the
reduction of road accidents. Indicate your extent of agreement with the statements
(SD= Strongly Disagree; D=Disagree; , N= Neutral; A =Agreed; and SA=Strongly
Agreed)
Q The following aspects of motor vehicle SA A N D SD
inspection play a significant role in the
reduction of road accidents along the Salgaa-
Mau Summit Highway
1. Condition of Electric and lighting system
2. State of the tires, wheels and axles
3. General Roadworthiness of the vehicle
4. Functionality of the speed governors
5. Effective Breaking system, clutch and acceleration
6. Condition of Vehicle undercarriage, cab/body
works and seatbelts

SECTION D: ROAD BLOCK CHECKS

7. Below are statements on Influence of road block checks on reduction of road
accidents. Indicate your extent of agreement with the statements (SD= Strongly
Disagree; D=Disagree; , N= Neutral; A =Agreed; and SA=Strongly Agreed)

70
Q The following functions performed by police SA A U D SD
officers/NTSA officials on road blocks
contribute to the reduction of road accidents
along the Salgaa-Mau Summit Highway
1. Conducting Compliance checks on the state of
Vehicles, identify & remove non-compliant
vehicles from the roads
2. Enforcing traffic laws such as random Breath
Testing to check on alcohol levels and enforcing
speed limits

3. Detecting, Arresting and prosecuting traffic

offenders
4. Conducting investigations into the causes of
accidents and ensuring free flow of traffic

5. Enhancing levels of compliance due to the

perceived risk of apprehension and
identification of offenders who fail to comply
with road safety regulations

SECTION E: PENALTY ENFORCEMENT

8. Below are statements on the influence of penalty enforcement on reduction of road

accidents. Indicate your extent of agreement with the statements (SD= Strongly
Disagree; D=Disagree; , N= Neutral; A =Agreed; and SA=Strongly Agreed)
Q Enforcement of the following penalties helps to SA A N D SD
deter the violation of road safety rules and
regulations along the Salgaa-Mau Summit
Highway

1. Imposition of heavy fines

71
2. Suspension of driving license and the PSV
SACCO
3. Imprisonment of offenders

4. Impounding of the offenders vehicles

5. Mandatory rehabilitation or Community service

72
Appendix III: Interview Schedule for Senior Officers
SECTION A: BASIC INFORMATION
1. Gender
Male [ ]
Female [ ]
2. Education level
Primary [ ]
Secondary [ ]
College [ ]
University [ ]
3. How long have you served in your current position?
Less than 5 years [ ]
5-10 years [ ]
More than 10 years [ ]
4. What is the trend in terms of road accidents between the year 2021 and 2019
along the Salgaa-Mau Summit stretch. Please provide statistics
5. What are some of the major causes of road accidents along the Salgaa-Mau
Summit Highway?
6. In what ways does the compliance with road safety regulations contribute to the
reductions of road accidents?
7. To what extent is the inspection of motor vehicles instrumental in the reduction of
road accidents? Explain
8. In what ways do road block checks by NTSA enforcement officers and traffic
police contribute to the reduction of road accidents?
9. Does the enforcement of the following penalties helps to deter the violation of
road safety rules and regulations. Explain
10. What are some of the measures you would recommend to enhance road safety and
reduce road accidents especially along the Salgaa-Mau Summit stretch on the
Nakuru-Eldoret Highway?

Thank for your time and cooperation.

73
Appendix IV: NACOSTI Research Permit

74
Appendix V: Research Authorization

75