Transport Cabinet Secretary Murkomen Issues 9 Directives After Tragic Londiani Accident
Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen issued nine new directives on Saturday, July 1, after visiting the accident site at Londiani Junction in Kericho.
He urged drivers to be cautious on the road and to ensure their own and other road users’ safety.
The CS disclosed that the tragic accident claimed the lives of at least 52 people and injured 32 others, confirming that all of the victims were on the roadside market or boarding vehicles at the time of the collision.
“I would like to express my deepest condolences to the families, friends, and relatives of those who lost their lives, and I wish those recovering in various hospitals a speedy recovery,” he said.
As a result, Murkomen ordered the Energy Petroleum and Regulatory Authority (EPRA) to investigate the sale of unadulterated fuel to motorists who were unaware of the problem.
Murkomen also directed the National Safety and Transport Authority (NTSA) to include the hazardous section as a priority area for speed detection camera installation, particularly in the upcoming pilot phase, to enhance the enforcement of traffic laws and regulations.
The CS directed the ministry to initiate consultations with various interested parties to finalize the NTSA Operation of Commercial Service Vehicles Regulations.
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He also ordered the relocation of all markets along road reserves. The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) was tasked with constructing access roads to the markets, while county governments were tasked with constructing markets off the highways in partnership with the national government.
Murkomen added that the ministry will revise speed limits in the region and install speed bumps and signage.
To harmonize regional vehicle inspection, the CS ordered ministry officials to consult with the East Africa Community (EAC).
In addition, he ordered the county transport safety committees in all 47 counties to immediately launch road safety education and awareness programs aimed at merchants, pedestrians, schoolchildren, and bodaboda drivers.
In addition, the National Police Service was ordered, with the assistance of the NTSA, to intensify anti-drunk driving operations nationwide.
Murkomen directed that the ongoing re-testing of PSV and commercial service vehicle drivers as a means of assessing their competency before license renewal continue.
Meanwhile, the NTSA reported that between January and June of 2023, 2,124 fatalities occurred, 137 fewer than during the same period in 2022.
Transport Cabinet Secretary Murkomen Issues 9 Directives After Tragic Londiani Accident
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