Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has emphasized the importance of addressing the escalating issue of road accidents in Kenya.
Speaking at a prize-giving event at Mugoiri Girls High School in Kahuro, Murang’a, Murkomen outlined various measures being undertaken by the Ministry of Transport to mitigate this concerning trend.
Expressing particular concern for the safety of students, Murkomen highlighted recent accidents involving schools such as Chavakali High School, Kabsabet Boys, and Kenyatta University.
He stressed the necessity for new guidelines regarding school transport management.
“We are going to employ technology to monitor how vehicles are managed starting with school buses which will be fitted with vehicular telematics,” Murkomen stated, underscoring the ministry’s commitment to utilizing innovative solutions.
He further explained that these telematics, being developed in collaboration with the Kenya Bureau of Standards, aim to enhance accountability and safety standards in vehicle operation.
Regulation of school transport pic.twitter.com/6XFPUzimLk
— KIPCHUMBA MURKOMEN, E.G.H (@kipmurkomen) April 5, 2024
Referring to the effectiveness of telematics in reducing accidents involving trucks, Murkomen highlighted the potential for similar benefits in other vehicles.
“With telematics, the truck managers are able to check on the driver throughout the journey,” he noted, emphasizing the proactive monitoring aspect.
Additionally, Murkomen announced plans to introduce speed cameras across the country, enabling instant fines for traffic violations.
This initiative, currently in its pilot stage, aims to promote compliance with speed limits and other traffic regulations.
Acknowledging the legacy of former Transport Minister John Michuki in promoting safety standards within the public transport sector, Murkomen emphasized the collective responsibility of both passengers and drivers in ensuring road safety.
He urged passengers to refrain from boarding overcrowded vehicles and reiterated the importance of wearing seat belts, extending the reminder to motorcycle riders regarding helmet usage.
In collaboration with traffic police officers and the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), Murkomen affirmed the Ministry’s commitment to enforcing road safety measures and restoring order on the roads.
Through these concerted efforts, the Ministry of Transport, under the leadership of CS Murkomen, aims to address the alarming rate of road accidents and safeguard the lives of all road users.
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