Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary incharge of Roads and Transport, Kipchumba Murkomen has called on motorist and other road users to observe traffic rules in order to save lives during this festive season.
His comments comes following an increase in the number of road accident fatalities this year.
Speaking on Tuesday December 20, 2022, at Harambee House in Nairobi, Murkomen noted that the latest Road Safety report released by NTSA shows that 4,449 people have died from road crashes from January to December 15, 2022.
The Cabinet Secretary pointed out that this was an increase from 4,285 fatalities during the same period last year.
Of this, 1,595 were pedestrians, 1,190 were motorcyclists, 403 were drivers, 793 were passengers, 411 were motorcycle passengers, and 57 were pedal cyclists.
“These figures paint a grim picture of the state of our roads and bring to the fore the deleterious effects of reckless driving and disregard for traffic rules,” Murkomen said.
The CS called on all motorists to observe traffic rules to save lives during this festive season.
“I urge PSV owners to ensure both the physical and mental wellness of drivers is ascertained and the state of motor vehicles established before taking on the roads,” the CS said.
“Further, I urge pedestrians to speak out against reckless driving and report cases of traffic violations by motorists that may endanger the lives of pedestrians and passengers. The toll-free number is 911.”
Teaming up with CS for Interior Kindiki Kithure, the duo on Tuesday launched the 2022 December Festivity Enforcement Initiative and the Usalama Barabarani programme, at Harambee House, Nairobi.
“We outlined the stringent measures that we have taken to tame reckless driving and lawlessness on our highways, urban and rural roads as we move to minimise road accidents during this festive season,” Murkomen said.
Also present were PSs Mohamed Daghar for Transport, Joseph Mbugua (Roads), Raymond Omollo(Interior), NTSA DG George Njao and representatives from the Office of the Inspector General.
