Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has now directed the erecting of speed bumps at the Londiani Junction in Kericho County as part of measures to curb road accidents following the tragedy that has claimed at least 51 lives and left 32 hospitalised.
Speaking after visiting the scene on Saturday following the Friday evening multiple crash, CS Murkomen said the government would also support the families of the accident victims.
In the 6.30 pm accident, a truck heading to Kericho allegedly lost control, running over pedestrians, business people and matatus which were parked by the roadside killing more than 48 people.
According to eyewitness reports, the trailer veered off the road, ramming into tens of hawkers who were busy along the Nakuru-Kericho highway.
Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruyiot, who also visited the scene, called on the government to commission Londioani Sub-County Hospital, citing the lack of adequate health facilities.
He said that most facilities in Kericho were overstretched as victims of the accident were rushed to several hospitals.
Meanwhile, Kericho Governor Erick Mutai said a 50Km per hour speed limit would be enforced at the section.
“The government will foot the hospital and postmortem bills and we will offer other support to the affected families during this time of grieving,” he said. .
Mutai went on, “We will organise a harambee in order to give those who perished a decent send off without straining the families.”
The governor appealed for blood donations to help those in hospital.
Earlier, Interior CS Prof Kithure Kindiki mourned the victims of the accident, as he urged road users to strictly adhere to traffic rules.
“I particularly appeal to drivers to exercise extreme caution, and desist from speeding, overloading and dangerous or careless driving,” he stated.
He at the same time directed traffic officers to enforce road safety measures to curb similar incidents.
“Police officers across the country are directed to enforce traffic rules firmly and apprehend all offenders flouting traffic rules, including but not limited to those driving defective and unroadworthy motor vehicles,” he noted.
