The government remains resolute in its efforts to curb the menace of unroadworthy vehicles in the country, Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen affirmed on Friday.
Speaking at the burial ceremony in Karachuonyo constituency on May 10, the CS assured parents of the government's unwavering commitment to ensuring road safety as schools reopen on Monday, May 13.
“This week we will continue our very serious crackdown on the roads to ensure all vehicles on our roads are compliant,” Murkomen said.
He further emphasised, “We will monitor unroadworthy vehicles brought to the road to take advantage of increased travelers as students open schools next week .”
The Ministry of Interior has been intricately involved in the strategy, with all police officers tasked to remain vigilant for unroadworthy vehicles, Murkomen highlighted.
“Every vehicle on the road must be roadworthy and compliant with the laws,” the Transport Cabinet Secretary asserted.
Accompanying Murkomen at the burial ceremony of the late Mzee Josephat Ojuok Makowino was Interior Permanent Secretary Raymond Omollo. The dignitaries conveyed their heartfelt condolences during the send-off ceremony held at the family's residence in Nyang'au Village.
Murkomen is in a foot race to bolster road safety measures against the backdrop of alarming statistics from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).
Data reveals a worrisome increase in road fatalities, with at least 649 recorded deaths nationwide between January and February 20, 2024. This figure marks a surge from the 623 fatalities reported during the corresponding period in 2023.
In its draft National Road Safety Action Plan 2023-2027, the NTSA illustrates the critical need for sustained financing to support road safety initiatives.
The document identifies several government agencies, including NTSA, KeNHA, the National Police Service, and county health authorities, as underfunded entities tasked with delivering safety-related services.
According to the NTSA, Kenya sustains annual socio-economic losses exceeding Ks450 billion due to road crashes.
CS Murkomen's call for cooperation resonates deeply with stakeholders. He urged parents to ensure the timely release of their children to facilitate the government's monitoring efforts, while also appealing to all road users to exercise caution, especially given the ongoing heavy rains causing hazardous conditions in various parts of the country.
“Let's all take full responsibility and collaborate with the authorities enforcing traffic rules to ensure our roads are safe,” Murkomen implored.
