Murkomen proposes tough rules to rein in road crashes
By Alvin.Mwangi, July 5, 2023The national government yesterday announced new measures to curb the rising cases of road accidents across the country.
Speaking in Londiani, Kericho county during a prayer service for the victims of the accident that claimed more than 50 lives, Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen directed all Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) and school buses to be fitted with dashboard cameras and telematics.
Murkomen stated that the cameras together with vehicle telematics systems will be seamlessly integrated with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) database.
He stated that the implementation of dashboard cameras and vehicle telematics in PSVs marks a significant step towards enhancing safety, accountability, and efficiency within the public transportation sector.
“The gadgets can be used for security purposes as well as to provide data in case of carjacking or accidents. Their recordings are an important source of information that could also be used to fight roadside bribery, particularly in the matatu industry.”
“Telematics technology combines telecommunications and informatics, allowing for the exchange of data between vehicles and remote systems. This integration will facilitate the collection of various metrics, including vehicle speed, location, fuel consumption, and driver behaviour,” he said.
He noted that there will be no law violated when the cameras are installed on the dashboards of PSVs.
“In fact, it is a good addition to a vehicle’s security features but, as of now, there is no requirement for motorists to install or not install them,” said the CS.
Murkomen further said cameras will be fitted at all accident black spots across the country to monitor and help minimise accidents.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensure all drivers undergo retests to ensure safety on the roads, urging citizens to take responsibility.
“We understand as a government that Kenyans are interested in the results of all the strategies we are putting in place to minimise road carnage. We will issue new regulations.”
The CS added that the ministry will give a directive to have all road reserves free from markets.
“No markets will be stationed at the road reserves. We care for the hustlers that’s why they have to be removed from these road reserves,” Murkomen added.
However, he said his ministry will provide access to the markets which will be a short distance from road reserves.
In addition, CS Murkomen called on Kenyans to support Kenya National Highways Authority (Kenha) when the time comes to roll out the new directives.
“I know it will turn out to be a political fight but I’m asking Kenyans to support us in making our roads safer,” he added.
Speaking at the event, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said the Government will implement comprehensive measures to improve the safety of the roads and avert loss of lives.
Gachagua said losing 5000 lives to road accidents every year was unacceptable, promising the rolling out of quick interventions that will ensure better use of roads across the country and reduced carnage.
The President has directed the Cabinet Secretary of Roads and Transport to deal with road safety. “Losing 5000 people every year to accidents is unacceptable and we must intervene to stop these deaths,” said the DP.
He said the measures will be tough in a bid to return orders in the transport industry asking for support from all stakeholders.
“The measures might be painful to some but we must accept that to have any meaningful change in the sector we must implement these to save more lives from being lost,” he added.
While condoling with the bereaved families, Gachagua pledged Government support saying it was tragic to lose many lives to such an accident.
“Losing 52 people is quite saddening. We pray to God to grant the families peace and strength during this difficult time,” he said.