Traffic Police Department Shines at 2025 Nairobi International Trade Fair

 

The Traffic Police Department of the National Police Service (NPS) took centre stage at the 2025 Nairobi International Trade Fair, impressing thousands of visitors with a powerful showcase of its evolution, operations, and commitment to road safety across Kenya.

With a proud legacy dating back to 1953, when the first Traffic Section was established at Vigilance House in Nairobi, the department has grown significantly over the decades. Initially tasked with managing road safety in a city that was just beginning to experience a surge in motor vehicle use, the unit moved to Central Police Station in 1968 and became known as the Traffic Branch Nairobi. Eventually, it relocated to its current headquarters in Ruaraka, Nairobi. Today, it stands as a highly specialised arm of the National Police Service, dedicated to ensuring safe and orderly road usage across the country.

The department is currently led by Dr. Fredrick Ochieng’, AIG, who serves as the Commandant, Traffic. Under his leadership, traffic operations have been devolved to regional, county, and station levels, allowing officers to respond more effectively to localized road safety concerns. The Traffic Police Department also collaborates closely with various national and local agencies, including the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA), National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), Nairobi Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (NAMATA), and county governments. This collaborative approach ensures that policies, enforcement, and infrastructure development are aligned to promote safer roads nationwide.

At the Trade Fair, the department was represented at the NPS Exhibition Stand by Mr. Tom Okoth, CP, who is the Staff Officer Personnel at Traffic Headquarters, and Mr. Boniface Otieno, SSP, the Officer in Charge of the Road Safety Department within the Kenya Police Service. Together with their teams, they offered visitors a detailed look into the day-to-day work of Traffic Police officers. Their display included insights into traffic regulation, accident response and investigation, traffic law enforcement, and road safety education — all of which are central to the department’s mission of protecting lives on the road.

The exhibition also gave the public a rare opportunity to learn more about the department’s highly specialised internal units. Among these is the Government Vehicles Check Unit (GVCU), which plays a critical role in ensuring accountability in the use of government vehicles. Another key unit is the Northern Corridor Transit Police Unit (NCPTU), which safeguards cargo and manages traffic flow along the economically vital Mombasa–Malaba highway and its feeder routes. The Axle Load Enforcement & Highways Unit (ALEHU) was also showcased, highlighting its role in protecting national road infrastructure from damage caused by overloaded or improperly operated heavy vehicles.

In addition to operational enforcement, the department’s strategic work is handled by the Planning, Research & Training Unit (PR&T). This unit acts as the brain trust of the Traffic Department, conducting accident data analysis, spearheading road safety campaigns, overseeing officer training, and deploying essential tools such as speed cameras and breathalysers in high-risk areas.

The strong presence of the Traffic Police Department at this year’s Trade Fair not only informed the public but also reinforced the department’s image as a modern, community-centered force. Visitors to the stand praised the professionalism and depth of information provided, as well as the department’s visible commitment to transparency and community engagement.

In a statement released during the event, the National Police Service expressed its appreciation for the dedication and selfless service of Traffic Police officers across the country. The statement noted that the department’s consistent efforts to manage and improve road safety continue to play a vital role in reducing accidents, safeguarding road infrastructure, and reinforcing public trust in law enforcement.

As the Nairobi International Trade Fair concluded, the Traffic Police Department left a lasting impression on all who visited their stand. Their presence served as a powerful reminder that behind every patrol vehicle and roadblock is a dedicated team of officers working not only to enforce the law but also to protect lives, educate the public, and support Kenya’s broader development goals.