Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Saturday, July 1, issued nine new directives after visiting the grisly accident scene at Londiani Junction in Kericho.
He urged motorists to be careful on the road as well as ensure their safety and that of other road users.
The CS disclosed that the tragic accident killed at least 52 people and left 32 others injured confirming that all the victims were trading on the roadside market or were boarding vehicles at the time of the crash.
"I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to families, friends, and relatives of those who lost their lives and wish a quick recovery to those recuperating in various hospitals," he noted.
As a result, Murkomen directed the Energy Petroleum and Regulatory Authority (EPRA) to investigate the sale of unadulterated fuel sold to unsuspecting motorists.
Murkomen also directed the National Safety and Transport Authority (NTSA) to include the dangerous section as as a priority area for installing speed detection cameras, particularly in the upcoming pilot phase, in order to enhance the enforcement of traffic laws and regulations.
The CS directed the ministry to initiate consultations with various stakeholders to finalise the development of the NTSA Operation of Commercial Service Vehicles Regulations.
He also ordered all markets along road reserves to be relocated. County governments in partnership with the national government through the intergovernmental framework were directed to construct markets off the highways while the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) was tasked with constructing access roads to the markets.
Additionally, Murkomen noted that the ministry will revise speed limits in the area and erect bumps and signage.
To harmonise regional vehicle inspection, the CS ordered officials in his ministry to hold consultative meetings with the East Africa Community (EAC).
He also directed the county transport safety committees in all 47 counties to embark on road safety education and awareness programs targeting traders, pedestrians, school children, and bodaboda operators immediately.
Additionally, the National Police Service, with the support of NTSA, was ordered to intensify anti-drunk-driving operations across the country.
Finally, Murkomen directed the ongoing re-testing of PSV and commercial service vehicle drivers to continue as a way of assessing their competency before the renewal of driving licenses.
Meanwhile, the NTSA disclosed that between January and June 2023, 2,124 fatalities were recorded, 137 less compared to the corresponding period in 2022.
