Murkomen Gives Three Orders On All Roads After Nakuru-Eldoret Accident
The directions, he noted, would complement both the short term and the long term.
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Transport Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen has announced three instant changes to all toads in Kenya hours after eight people were killed in the Nakuru-Eldoret Highway accident.
In a statement on Tuesday, December 13, Murkomen noted that he gave directions to the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to avert more accidents especially with the festive season approaching.
The directions, he noted, would complement both the short term and the long term.
An image of the accident scene involving a trailer and two PSVs of along the Nakuru-Eldoret highway on Tuesday, December 13, 2022. /TWITTER
"I have, this evening, instructed the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to immediately implement adequate measures to forestall any such accidents. The actions will be for the short term and the long term," he stated in part.
Murkomen directed KeNHA to install 'Observe Lane Discipline' signs from both approaches of the three Lanes.
He also directed the installation of 50KPH speed limit signs on both approaches of the three lanes of the Nakuru-Eldoret road.
The CS also announced an immediate operation, ordering police to enforce the above, including use of speed guns to track down motorists overspeeding on roads, against traffic rules.
"In the long-term, by April 2023, I have instructed the Authority to commence construction of an additional lane and separate the flow of opposing streams of traffic with Jersey barriers in the median akin to the dualled Molo river-Sachangwan-Kibunja section," he added.
The accident that occurred at the Ngata Bridge also saw 23 people nursing serious injuries and were rushed to the Rift Valley Provincial General Hospital and other hospitals for treatment.
It involved a truck and two 14-seater matatus. The truck was heading towards Nakuru and was reported to have developed brake failures forcing it to swerve to the right and colliding with the two matatus.
"It is regrettable that several accidents have been witnessed in this spot in the recent past. I take this opportunity to condole with the bereaved families and wish them God's strength as they come to terms with this sudden loss.
"It is unfortunate to witness such a loss of lives. I also wish those that were injured quick recovery as they look forward to join their beloved ones," Murkomen added.
Among those who died in the road accident include the driver of one of the matatus while the trailer driver escaped unhurt.
The accident came after three people were killed after a 14-seater matatu collided with a high-speed trailer at Nakuru's Ngata Bridge on Saturday, November 26.
In December 2018, former Chief Justice David Maraga and his wife narrowly survived an accident at the Ngata bridge.
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) revealed in a previous report that the total number of victims of road accidents shot up from 16,642 in 2021 to 17,550 from January to October 30, 2022.
Deaths also rose from 3,733 to 3,924 while cases of serious injuries went from 8,214 cases to 7,982.
An image of the accident scene involving a trailer and two PSVs of along the Nakuru-Eldoret highway on Tuesday, December 13, 2022. /TWITTER
