Government to intensify enforcement of traffic rules

By Peter Ochieng

Government officers will intensify enforcement of traffic rules as a measure towards preventing road accidents during Christmas and New Year festivities.

Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary (CS) Onesmus Kipchumba Murkomen said the focus will be nabbing public service vehicles operating illegally.

"As part of our commitment to road safety, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) in collaboration with the National Police Service, will intensify enforcement activities during the festive season, focusing on illegal PSVs. I urge everyone to plan journeys and avoid overloading, speeding and drunk driving," said the CS.

He spoke on Monday, during the launch of the Kenya Highway Code and Learner Drivers’ Handbook, under the Usalama Barabarani Festive Season Campaign.

"I urge all drivers, cyclists and pedestrians to familiarise themselves with the rules and be ambassadors of road safety while using the roads," he stated.

According to the former Elgeyo Marakwet Senator, over the last year, collective efforts by stakeholders have reduced road traffic fatalities, by up to 8.11 percent.

"From January 1st to December 7th, 2023, we witnessed a commendable 8.11% decrease in lives lost due to road traffic injuries compared with the same period last year, down from 4,352 to 3,999."

However, the CS noted that the reduction in deaths coincided with an increase in the number of seriously injured individuals, suggesting that more work needs to be done to improve road safety.

"Majority of road traffic incidents can be prevented by adhering to safety rules. About 90% of accidents result from unsafe road user behaviour. I, therefore implore each citizen to take personal responsibility and minimise the factors that contribute to risky road behaviour," he added.

The National Usalama Barabarani Campaign was launched in partnership with among others, Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) and the Matatu Owners Association (MOA).

Others are Safaricom, Kenya Transporters Association (KTA), Kenya Long Distance Drivers Union (KLDDU), Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Asociation (LDDCA) and Road Safety Association (RSA).