Road safety has long been a concern in Kenya, with the country witnessing a distressing number of lives lost in accidents over the years.
Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport, Kipchumba Murkomen, emphasized the need for collective efforts to address this pressing issue during his speech at the AIC Bible College in Narok town.
Murkomen highlighted the historical continuity of this problem since Kenya gained independence.
He stressed the inadequacy of funding for agencies like the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and traffic police as significant contributors to the persistent menace on the roads.
In his address, Murkomen pointed out that attributing blame solely to his tenure in office would be unjust.
He emphasized the importance of recognizing the broader societal factors at play and not scapegoating specific administrations.
One of the key factors identified by Murkomen is the disregard for traffic regulations among motorists, which has fueled the rise in road accidents.
He hinted at forthcoming technological solutions and the implementation of instant fines as measures to deter reckless driving.
Currently, there is a regulatory proposal under consideration by the Attorney General’s office and the National Assembly aimed at tackling the issue.
Murkomen disclosed that this initiative seeks to address the alarming statistic of approximately 3500 lives lost annually due to road accidents.
Moreover, Murkomen proposed the installation of real-time mobile cameras in all motor vehicles to enhance accountability in the event of accidents, further emphasizing the importance of technological interventions in road safety.
The sentiments expressed by Murkomen resonated with other officials present at the event, including Bomet Senator Hillary Sigei, Narok Senator Ledama OleKina, and Mara Ward MCA Chepkwony Kipng’eno.
They echoed the need for collective action and support for initiatives aimed at curbing road accidents.
Kelena OleNchoe, Chairman of the Maa Council of Elders, emphasized the role of supporting the government irrespective of political affiliations for the sake of progress.
He stressed the importance of unity in addressing societal challenges rather than engaging in divisive politics.
In summary, Murkomen’s call for collective responsibility underscores the urgency of addressing road safety issues in Kenya through collaborative efforts involving government agencies, law enforcement, and the general public.
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