CS Murkomen launches road safety tools to curb accidents during festive season

Road and Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen on Monday launched tools to help curb accidents during the festive season.

The CS launched the tools under the Usalama Barabarani Festive Season Campaign.

Murkomen said the Kenya Highway Code and Learner Drivers’ Handbook will be freely distributed to promote responsible road use across the country.

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

"Over the last year, our collective effort has reduced road traffic fatalities. From January 1 to December 7, 2023, we witnessed a commendable 8.11 per cent decrease in lives lost due to road traffic injuries compared with the same period last year."

The CS said the number of road fatalities has gone down from 4,352 to 3,999.

He, however, said the reduction in deaths coincided with an increase in the number of seriously injured individuals.

Murkomen added that more work needs to be done to improve road safety.

The CS announced that there was a rise in fatalities among pedal cyclists.

He attributed the increase to factors such as speeding, dangerous cycling and inadequate non-motorised transport facilities.

The CS said the majority of road traffic incidents can be prevented by adhering to safety rules.

"About 90 per cent of accidents result from unsafe road user behaviour."

"I implore each citizen to take personal responsibility and minimise the factors that contribute to risky road behaviour. The Highway Code includes rules and guidelines applicable to all road users, be they learners or experienced drivers," he said.

The CS appealed to vehicle operators to carry functional first aid kits and fire extinguishers and to embrace basic first aid training.

He called on Kenyans to support the government’s efforts to restore sanity on the roads during this festive season. 

CS Murkomen said that 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. May this festive season be a joyous and safe one, filled with responsible choices."

The National Usalama Barabarani Campaign was launched in partnership with among others Kenya Urban Roads Authority, Kenya National Highways Authority, National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) Matatu Owners Association, Safaricom, Kenya Transporters Association, Kenya Long Distance Drivers Union, Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Asociation, Road Safety Association and Matatu Owners Association at the Kenya Railways Nairobi.