Editor's Review

“Every citizen must therefore take personal responsibility and minimise the factors that contribute to risky road behaviour."

Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has called on members of the public to take personal responsibility and minimize factors that contribute to risky road behaviour.

In a statement on Monday, March 4, Murkomen said most road accidents can be prevented if Kenyans follow safety regulations.

“It is essential to acknowledge that the majority of road traffic incidents are preventable by following safety regulations and that 90 per cent of accidents result from unsafe road user behaviour,” said Murkomen.

He added, “Every citizen must therefore take personal responsibility and minimise the factors that contribute to risky road behaviour. Let us all work together to ensure that our roads are safe for everyone.”

At the same time, the Transport CS noted that the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and the National Police Service (NPS) will be embarking on a nationwide traffic enforcement and Usalama Barabarani campaign to educate and empower citizens.

File image of Traffic police officers inspecting vehicles. 

CS Murkomen further said the NTSA has been directed to collaborate with the NPS to intensify enforcement and bring careless drivers to justice.

The statement comes after two people died and five others were injured after Mombasa Bound Tahmeed collided with a petroleum tanker in the Mundika area, Busia County.

Another road accident claimed nine lives near the Katangi area along the Machakos-Kitui road last week with thirty other passengers sustaining serious injuries.

NTSA on February 28 revealed that 649 people have lost their lives between January 1 and February 20 this year, compared to 673 in the same period last year.

Vehicle passenger fatalities rose from 114 to 125, while pedestrian fatalities surged from 190 to 252.