Hello and welcome to the Friday edition of the Evening Brief Newsletter where the government is leveraging technology to fine motorists instantly for offences.
Housekeeping: Since the launch of this publication on the site, we have witnessed massive growth and interest in our content. We wish to let you know that an edition of this newsletter also appears on Kenyans.co.ke LinkedIn page. If you wish to get future editions in your email inbox, subscribe here.
Murkomen: My Michuki Way
Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has unveiled his plan to reduce indiscipline on the roads and accidents once and for all.
Speaking in Muranga County, Murkomen highlighted road cameras and instant mobile fines as his secret weapon. This is how it will work.
- According to Murkomen, the government will install cameras along highways and roads across the country. The cameras will be used to monitor the behaviour of motorists on the road.
- Once a driver is captured committing a traffic offence such as speeding, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) will immediately impose a fine.
- Motorists will be informed of the fines through their phones.
"We want instant fining of all drivers who are going above the speed limit, overlapping or committing speed offences. Michuki brought order to our transport system particularly when it came to the dignity of travelling. However, what we have not succeded in, is reducing road carnage.
"And the only challenge I have is to provide an answer to that. I believe in the fullness of time we will be able to reduce the number of accidents," he stated.
Further, the CS expressed that the government was currently piloting the technology in some parts of the country and had proved successful.
The technology will therefore be rolled out in due course under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model. The procurement process is currently ongoing.
NTSA is also currently digitising the records of all vehicles in the country. This will help in identifying the owners of the vehicles which are flaunting traffic laws.
The Data Point
According to data obtained by the newsletter team from NTSA, 1,213 Kenyans have died in road carnages from January 1, 2024, to April 3, 2024.
This is 5 per cent more than the numbers that were recorded in a similar period in 2023.
The most affected people were pedestrians (445), motorcyclists (282) and passengers (259).
Guess Who?
Can you guess who said these words?
"If we lose this generation, we lose our future and we are losing them. This week we've buried people because of illicit alcohol."
To find the correct answer, simply scroll down as you read this newsletter.
Govt Woos Rich Foreign Tourist
Away from the matters of roads, the government is making money moves to make foreign tycoons choose Kenya as their tourist destination.
Speaking during a visit to Narok County, Tourism Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua revealed that the government was keen on developing infrastructure that would be appealing to high-end visitors.
Mutua noted that the first project to be undertaken will be the development of an airstrip in Loita Forest alias Naimina Enkiyio Forest in Narok.
He explained that the forest was strategically placed noting the numerous tourist activities that can take place within the forest.
"Furthermore, we will work in tandem with Narok County to attract investors for the establishment of an eco-hotel/camp within Loita Forest. This eco-friendly accommodation option will not only cater to the growing demand for sustainable tourism experiences but also contribute to the conservation efforts in the region," he stated.
Additionally, the government will be developing 15 high-end short-stay residences. As highlighted by various wealth reports, tycoons are beginning to prefer short-stay apartments compared to hotels.
"Initially focusing on 10 to 15 homestays, we aim to assist in creating accommodations tailored to the preferences of high-income tourists, complete with modern amenities and personalized hospitality," the CS added.
Weekly Kenyans.co.ke Quiz
Do you think you are a news guru? Every week, the newsletter team brings you a 10-question quiz testing your knowledge of the top news topics for the week.
Take our quiz and test how well you understood the week's most important stories.
Here are the top five stories for the day;
Govt finally confirms the presence of fake fertiliser and takes action against a supplier.
UK and Australia issue travel advisory for Kenya. Here are the areas they are warning their residents against visiting.
Wondering about the registration for the new health insurance. Here is how the SHIF registration form looks like.
Guilty as charged! Court rules on politician charged with the murder of his wife.
Kenyans flee to Tanzania as the doctor's strike hits home.
The Guess Who Answer
The answer is Johnson Sakaja. Sakaja made the remarks during a church service in Nairobi on Thursday. He had been accompanied by President William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua.
This newsletter was written by Washington Mito and edited by Brian Muuo.
Derrick Kubasu contributed to the content.
Graphics prepared by Adongo Kyalo and Ronnie Mbugua.
