Nairobi News

City motorists will have no cause for alarm in using Alcoblow, the gadget meant to detect the amount of alcohol taken by a driver.

The breathalyser, reintroduced by the Traffic Department on Monday comes with a disposable mouthpiece.

This means each motorist being subjected to the test will use a fresh mouthpiece unlike in the past when it was shared — raising hygiene concerns.

While unveiling the gadget, Transport and Infrastructure Cabinet Secretary Michael Kamau said it works like a hospital syringe that can be used only once.

The gadget has also been modified and now prints out slips showing the intoxication level of drivers for the sake of keeping records.

Mr Kamau said the printouts will ensure that traffic police to do not extort money from motorists as their bosses will have a reference point.

Drivers will be required to append a signature on the printout and those who will be too drunk will use thumb stamps.

“We currently have four alcoblow gadgets and are expecting 10 more by the end of this month,” he said.

He said the intention of the Ministry is to eradicate the culture of drunk-driving.

On how the four gadgets will serve all city roads efficiently, Mr Kamau said the breathalysers were portable and will not be stationed at any particular spot.

While citing Lang’ata Road and Westlands as hot spots for drunk driving, the Cabinet Secretary issued a warning against the habit.

“We are not against anyone making merry. All we advise is that you get a designated driver or taxi to take you home,” said Mr Kamau.

The law requires that no driver should handle a car if he or she has 35 microgrammes in 100 millilitres of blood.

Traffic commandant Samuel Kimaru said for drivers who refuse to have their breath samples taken, there will be alternative tests.

“They will be taken to hospital have their urine and blood samples taken to check alcohol levels,” he said.

It is against the law to drive if tests indicate that one has more than 107 milligrams of alcohol in 100ml of urine.