Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki and Roads, Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen have launched Festivity Enforcement Initiative as part of the efforts to curb road accidents during the festive season.
While speaking on Tuesday, December 20, during a joint press briefing on road safety during the 2022 festive season, Murkomen stated that he had instructed agencies to enhance countrywide surveillance on as Kenyans travel for festivities.
Moreover, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) will work with Kenya National Highways Authority, (KeNHA), Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) and Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) in the campaign.
CS Murkomen also directed that motorists remove stalled vehicles within an hour to enable smooth flow of traffic.
“I have further directed KeNHA and KURA to ensure vehicles passing through weighbridges are roadworthy as per the requirements of the Traffic Act,” he said.
Likewise, Transport CS instructed the two agencies to report any cases of noncompliance to the authorities for action.
Murkomen further reported that the government has started a process to adopt a strategy entailing public awareness and enforcement in its efforts to reduce road fatalities.
He urged private car owners and PSV operators to ensure drivers are well rested and vehicles well serviced before taking them to the roads.
Murkomen also pointed out that he had directed NTSA to intensify the Usalama Barabarani programme and awareness campaigns to effect positive behavior change among road users.
“The Authority is already engaging PSV Saccos on the well-being of drivers and ensure they are sensitized on their role in preventing road carnage,” the CS said.
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Additionally, CS Kithure Kindiki stated that he had directed the police to crack down on motorists and road users flouting traffic rules to ensure compliance.
Moreover, the Interior CS added that his office will provide adequate support to enforcement officers as they enforce the safety of road users and step up the campaign to reduce fatalities.
“We expect 100 percent compliance with the relevant traffic requirements by motorists and other road users. These rules must be observed in their entirety by all,” Kindiki said.
Furthermore, CS Kindiki noted that the newly launched operation to ensure road safety will be targeting several offenses ranging from speeding, overloading of goods, excess passengers, and contravention of licensed Public Service Vehicle routes.
Similarly, those with unlawful lights on motor vehicles as well as drunk drivers will not be spared.
Prof. Kindiki further urged Kenyans to exercise vigilance on roads for their own safety and that of others.
