Police officers manning Kerok-Sotik Highway roadblock inspect vehicles in-front of Keroka Police Station. [Eric Abuga, Standard]

At least 30 drivers were arrested during a two-day traffic crackdown in Kisii and Nyamira counties.

Motorists who had turned their private cars into public service vehicles were not spared either.

The operation along the Kisii-Nyamira and Kisii-Sotik roads was led by Commissioner of Police Ligalla Opiyo.

“The essence of this exercise is to ensure our roads are accident-free as Kenyans return to their places of work,” said Mr Opiyo.

During the crackdown, excess passengers in public service vehicles were forced to seek alternative means of travel as traffic officers intensified efforts to restore sanity on the roads.

The exercise follows Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai’s directive to all traffic officers manning roadblocks to keep order on the roads during the festive season.

Many of the vehicles that were impounded and towed to Keroka Police Station had expired insurance stickers while drivers did not have valid driving licences.

Opiyo said only cars licensed to operate as taxis will be allowed to carry passengers.