Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen emphasized the importance of adhering to traffic rules to ensure road safety during his address at AIC Milimani in Nairobi on Sunday. He underscored the government’s dedication to curbing the prevalence of accidents in the nation.
Murkomen outlined various measures being taken by the Ministry to address road safety concerns, including the privatization of motor vehicle inspection, deployment of speed cameras, and enhanced enforcement efforts by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) targeting unroadworthy vehicles and irresponsible drivers.
He attributed many road accidents to reckless behavior and highlighted the crucial role of drivers’ conduct in preventing accidents and promoting safety on the roads.
“Pedestrians, especially in the big cities, continue to bear the biggest brunt of road deaths and this must stop. That is why, even as we rein in errant drivers, we are installing footbridges in many parts of the city including Mathare, Mukuru and Kibera,” he said.
The Transport CS’s statement followed a tragic incident where at least nine individuals lost their lives after a matatu veered off the road and plunged into the Mbagathi River on Saturday morning. Seventeen others sustained injuries in the accident, which occurred due to the driver losing control of the vehicle.
According to data from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), there have been 1,553 fatalities resulting from road crashes between January 1 and April 30, 2024. Nairobi recorded the highest number of fatalities at 176, followed by Nakuru and Kiambu at 134 and 128 respectively. Other regions also experienced significant loss of life due to road accidents.
The CS expressed concerns that the destruction of infrastructure by floods could exacerbate road crash incidents. However, he reassured the public that the government is taking measures to address road safety issues, including the restoration of roads and bridges nationwide.
He emphasized the importance of collective efforts in mitigating road accidents and ensuring safer roads for all.
