Murkomen Speaks On Brake Failure Causing Pwani University Bus Accident

He expressed concern regarding the number of Kenyans dying in road accidents as a result of reckless driving.

Marvin Chege Marvin Chege
Apr 1, 2023 - 12:19 Updated: Apr 1, 2023 - 12:24
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Murkomen Speaks On Brake Failure Causing Pwani University Bus Accident
A photo collage of Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen (left) and the Pwani University bus involved in an accident on March 30, 2023 (right). /FILE

Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, on Saturday, April 1 spoke on preliminary investigations on the Pwani University bus accident that killed 18 people on Thursday, March 30.

While addressing residents at Malava, Kakamega, at Faruk Kibet's thanksgiving ceremony, Murkomen indicated that preliminary reports indicated that the vehicle had not been serviced prior to the crash.

He expressed concern regarding the number of Kenyans dying in road accidents as a result of reckless driving.

A collage of Pwani University bus speeding along Nairobi-Naivasha highway before the accident on March 30, 2023. /TWITTER.ONORPIK

“So many accidents happen because of the recklessness of drivers. We lost students from Pwani University and other Kenyans because preliminary investigation shows that the brakes failed, meaning that the bus was not serviced well,” he addressed.

He urged motorists to value people’s lives and not be reckless on the road, especially as the Easter holiday approaches.

As a result of the crash, Murkomen revealed that the government would increase vehicle inspection centres across the country, a move that would make regular car inspection mandatory for all vehicles in Kenya.

“From the Ministry perspective, we have said we will increase car inspection centres. Currently, we have four in the whole country.

"We are going to privatise car inspection to get private investors who will open inspection centres across the country,” Murkomen said, adding that the regulations are ready.

The proposed motor vehicle inspection rules dictate that all privately owned vehicles that are over four years old must undergo a vehicle inspection test every two years. The proposal also imposes an inspection fee depending on the size of the vehicle and period, from Ksh1,300 to Ksh150,000.

The CS also revealed that the government would plant cameras on major highways and transport corridors to nab motorists who violate traffic laws.

'We will put cameras from the highway all the way from Mombasa to Kisumu, and there will be instant enforcement. We shall ensure that the cameras are put on the roads this year," he added.

His third directive centred on traffic offenders being fined instantly after being captured breaking laws. 

He urged passengers to speak up whenever they are suspicious about drivers’ conduct, to prevent accidents, adding that passengers also have a responsibility to be ferried safely.

Murkomen also addressed the destruction of transport infrastructure witnessed during the Azimio rallies, adding that he was pushing for political parties to be held responsible for the demos by charging them for maintenance.

Protesters battle police along Outering Road on March 30, 2023. /FILE

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