Kenyan truck driver arrested in Tanzania after breathalyser records shocking reading of 999.9

• The incident underscores the immense safety risks associated with drink-driving, particularly among long-distance commercial drivers navigating heavy machinery across international borders

A Kenyan truck driver has been taken into custody in Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro Region after a breathalyser test registered a staggering, maximum possible reading of 999.9 during a routine nighttime road safety operation.

The driver, who was operating a heavy commercial cargo truck on route from Kenya toward Rusumo, was intercepted on Thursday, October 22, 2026. Traffic authorities pulled him over after noticing the truck swerving erratically and that the driver was visibly struggling to keep control of the vehicle.

Kilimanjaro Regional Traffic Police Commander ACP Nassoro Sisiwaya confirmed the incident to the media, noting that the driver was subjected to an alcohol screening that yielded an extraordinary and unprecedented measurement.

Detailing the operation, ACP Sisiwaya stated: "Tunaendelea na operation zetu za kawaida ambazo tunazifanya usiku na mchana ambapo leo tuko eneo hili la Timbororoni, wilaya hii ya Moshi. Tumekamata makosa mengi ya aina tofauti tofauti lakini kubwa zaidi tumemkamata dereva akiwa na kilevi cha 999.9."

He added: "Kilevi hichi 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."

Videos shared by Tanzanian online media show the driver absolutely sloshed, as he struggles to keep his balance, totters around and is helped to remain steady by the police officers.

The high-profile arrest highlights ongoing nationwide efforts to curb road accidents across Tanzania.

Official government data presented in Parliament indicates that over 1,000 fatalities occurred due to road traffic crashes within the first 10 months of the 2025/2026 financial year.

Addressing Parliament in May 2026, Home Affairs Minister Patrobas Katambi reported that Tanzania documented 1,233 road accidents between July 2025 and April 2026, leading to 1,066 deaths and 1,869 injuries.

Although these figures marked an improvement compared to the previous financial year - which recorded 1,322 accidents and 1,275 fatalities (a 16.4 percent decrease) - authorities continue to intensify highway patrols, vehicle inspections, and strict enforcement of traffic rules.

The incident underscores the immense safety risks associated with drink-driving, particularly among long-distance commercial drivers navigating heavy machinery across international borders.

While 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.

Transport stakeholders continue to emphasize adherence to safety compliance to safeguard motorists, pedestrians, and regional cargo transit networks.