Kenya’s “alcoblow” (breathalyzer) has been a cornerstone of road safety efforts for years. Its stated goal is noble: to reduce accidents and save lives by deterring drunk driving. As professionals who value safety and responsibility, we can all agree on the importance of this mission.
A growing chorus of motorists, legal experts, and activists are raising serious concerns.
Let’s break down the two key issues every driver should be aware of.
1. The Calibration Question: Is the Machine Always Right?
A fundamental principle of any scientific evidence is accuracy. For a breathalyzer reading to be legally admissible, the device must be properly calibrated and maintained. This is where a major problem lies.
Recent, verifiable calibration certificates are crucial. Without regular calibration, these devices may likely produce false positives. Imagine having a single drink with dinner, only to fail a test because the machine hasn’t been serviced. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it undermines the entire credibility of the process.
2. Strategic Roadblocks: Safety Measure or Revenue Trap?
There’s a distinct difference between a roadblock set up at 2:00 AM on a busy nightlife street and one placed on a desolate highway at 10:00 AM on a weekday. The former feels like targeted safety enforcement. The latter often feels like a trap.
It shifts the public perception of the alcoblow from a life-saving tool to a revenue-generating one, creating an adversarial relationship between law enforcement and the public.
Im conclusion, the jury is out there on whether the gadgets have really achieved purpose or Kenyans are nonetheless wiser.
