A Kenyan truck driver has been arrested in Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro’s Region after a breathalyzer displayed its maximum reading of 999.9 during a nighttime road safety operation.
The driver was detained on October 22, on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol after traffic officers spotted his truck swerving and struggling to maintain control of the vehicle.
According to reports, the driver was transporting cargo from Kenya towards Rusumo through Tanzania when he was intercepted by traffic officers during routine traffic checks in the Moshi area.
Kilimanjaro Regional Traffic Police Commander ACP Nassoro Sisiwaya confirmed the incident, saying the driver underwent an alcohol screening that produced the extraordinary reading.
“Tumekamata makosa mengi ya aina tofauti tofauti lakini kubwa zaidi tumemkamata dereva akiwa na kilevi cha 999.9. Kilevi hikii ni cha mwisho kabisa kwenye vipimo vyetu ila alikuwa anaendesha gari barabarani akiendelea na safari zake za kwenda Rusumo. Dereva huyu tumemueka mahabusu na tutamfikisha mahakamani mara moja,” Sisiwaya said.
The incident has raised concerns about drink-driving among long-distance commercial drivers, particularly those operating trucks across international borders.
Authorities have emphasized the importance of responsible driving and compliance with traffic laws as part of the efforts to prevent avoidable accidents on roads.
Kenya enforces strict regulations – such as the Traffic (Drink-Driving) Rules, 2024, which mandate a zero-tolerance alcohol limit for commercial, public service, and school transport drivers – the detained driver’s prosecution and subsequent legal penalties will be governed entirely under Tanzanian traffic laws.
