Editor's Review

CS Murkomen also directed a nationwide crackdown on unroadworthy vehicles. 

Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has ordered a mandatory retesting of all Public Service Vehicles(PSVs) and heavy commercial vehicle drivers following a surge in road accidents. 

In a statement on Tuesday, March 19, Murkomen said the directive which had been postponed would be implemented without delay. 

“The re-testing of all PSV and Heavy Commercial drivers, that had been postponed after an outcry from the sector, will now be implemented without further delay. All stakeholders are expected to comply and cooperate,” read the statement in part.

CS Murkomen also ordered NTSA to put in place measures for the implementation of medical testing of all drivers before the issuance of any new driving licences and renewal to ensure that only medically fit drivers are licensed to drive.

The Transport CS further directed the National Police Service and the National Transport Safety Authority (NTSA) to intensify the ongoing nationwide enforcement and impound all unroadworthy vehicles and those not integrated with the intelligent road safety management system for transmission of speed limiter data.

File image of Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen. 

“As we approach the Easter festivities and closing of schools, we shall be working closely with the NPS and monitoring the enforcement of traffic laws and regulations. I urge all road users to be cautious about their safety and the safety of others to prevent the needless loss of lives,” Murkomen stated.

Meanwhile, Interior CS Kithure Kindiki has directed law enforcement agencies to develop and implement a Nationwide program for Traffic Law enforcement to tackle the surge in road accidents.

Kindiki also issued a warning to law enforcement officers engaging in corruption on the roads saying they would be severely punished.

This comes a day after 11 Kenyatta University students died and 46 others injured after the university’s bus was involved in an accident in Voi.

On Saturday last week, Kapsabet High School bus overturned on Kabarnet-Marigat Road, killing a teacher and a student.