PHOTO ESSAY: Kenyans usher in New Year in style as others stranded over night travel ban

The New Year is finally here!

Kenyans across the 47 counties ushered in 2018 with pomp and colour, even as the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) banned long distance night travel by Public Service Vehicles (PSVs).

In a statement, the National Transport and Safety Authority restricted long-distance travel from 6 am to 7 pm making it illegal for commuters to travel at night by the public service vehicles.

The NTSA made the announcement following Sunday bus-truck collision at Migaa area along the infamous Nakuru-Eldoret road claiming over 30 lives, leaving scores others injured.

Here are pictures taken in different parts of Kenya showing how Kenyans celebrated the end of 2017 and the birth of 2018:

Nairobian residents bid farewell to 2017 and ushered in the new year 2018 in style at Kenyatta International Convention Centre(KICC), during this year's gospel Groove Party concert on 1st January 2018.[Edward Kiplimo, Standard]

Youth Choir members dance to welcome the New Year celebration at the Holy Spirit Catholic Church Langas in Eldoret yesterday. 01.01.2017. PHOTOS BY PETER OCHIENG/STANDARD.

Locals usher in the New year 2018 with a dance at Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa in Mombasa County during a new year party that featured local artist among them King Kaka, Avril, Owango Onyiro and Gilad Millo and Dj Ivory. 01/01/2018 (Gideon Maundu, Standard)

Hundreds of Commuters who failed to travel in the new year eve struggles at Mombasa's Mwembe Tayari in Mombasa County to get into a PSV bus to Nairobi on Monday,01st January 2018 morning.This follows the night travel ban by NTSA on PSV vehicles after constant accidents.[Maarufu Mohamed,Standard]

Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko (in a military jungle) with his wife Primrose Mbuvi (second left), his economic advisor Githende Gachanja (left) kneeling down during a special prayers service to usher in the new year 2018 in style, January 01, 2018. Sonko will early this year with his administration launch five strategic plans which are the key measures in ensuring a common Mwananchi benefit and feel the new developments. The key measures are some of his several campaign promises. [PHOTO BY GIDEON MAUNDU/STANDARD].

Gospel artist Eunice Njeri performs on stage during this year's gospel Groove Party concert to usher in New Year 2018 at Kenyatta International Convention Centre(KICC)on 1st January 2018.[Edward Kiplimo, Standard]

Size 8 performing at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru during the New year celebration on January 1, 2018. Photo: Kipsang Joseph/Standard

Prisoners at Kingongo GK maximum prison carry crates of bread donated by the State House Choir members who entertained the Prisoners during New Year 2018 PHOTOS by LYDIAH NYAWIRA

A section of new mothers breastfeed their newborns at Kisumu County Hospital on January 01, 2018 after delivery. A number of children were delivered in the region on the eve of ushering in the new year. (Photo: Denish Ochieng/ Standard)

Worshipers at the AIPCA Kitengela church celebrate the new year 2018 in style. PETERSON GITHAIGA

Gospel singer Bahati (from left) Muranga County Wome Representative Sabina Chege and Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu during the EMB Jesus Party at Thika Stadium.[Elvis Ogina.Standard]

Bomet Governor and other leaders during the new year party at Bomet Green Stadium. The leaders said it was time to concentrate on development and shun politicking. Photo by Gilbert Kimutai

Tourists dance with Malindi's Sandies Tropical Beach hotel workers at the Hotel's grounds in Kilifi County on Sunday,031st December 2017.This was during the climax of the Bahari Cultural Expo celebrations organized by Malindi's Mseto Africa and supported by the Hotel management to usher in the new year 2018.[Maarufu Mohamed, Standard]

Holidaymakers at the Sai Rock Beach Resort enjoy a bottle of champagne as they ushered in the new year in style, January 01, 2017. [PHOTO BY GIDEON MAUNDU/STANDARD].