Ruto Issues One-Year Deadline To Murkomen In Reducing Road Accidents
The Head of State compelled the CS to utilise the period to ensure that the number of accidents goes down
Marvin Chege 
President William Ruto on Wednesday, April 17 tasked Transport Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen to address the road accidents across the country in one year.
Speaking during the launch of the National Road Safety Action Plan 2024-2028, the Head of State compelled the CS to utilise the period to ensure that the number of accidents goes down, lest there will be consequences.
"One year from now, we will have another meeting. That one year from now you must report that the numbers are down otherwise you will be in a lot of trouble," he directed the CS.
An Easy Coach bus transporting students from Chavakali Boys High School involved in an accident on April 1, 2024. /HENIX OBUCHUNJU
Ruto however did not reveal the exact action he would take on CS Murkomen in the event he did not reduce the number of road accidents in the country in that one year.
It is worth noting that at least 1,189 people have died in road accidents since 2024 began. According to the National Transport and Safety Authority, the number is higher by 60 deaths compared to the same period in 2023.
The NTSA data released on Monday, April 1, showed that 7,189 people in the country were involved in road traffic accidents, which is 1,908 more than the number of accidents within the same period in 2023.
“Since January 1, at least 7,189 Kenyans have been involved in road accidents.
"This marks an increase of 1,908 compared to the year 2023. At least 3,316 were seriously injured, and 2,693 sustained minor injuries,” the authority stated last week.
In the same vein, the Head of State also directed the National Police Service (NPS) and NTSA to work together to reduce cases of road accidents. He warned them against engaging in competition and bribery to derail the plans launched by the Cabinet Secretary.
To support the Ministry, Ruto revealed that he has secured a financial boost to expand the road network and adopt the intelligent transport system in the country which includes installing speed cameras in various parts of the country starting with Nairobi.
Meanwhile, Murkomen on his part announced the formation of a new task force to lead the implementation of the Smart Transport System (STS), which will be composed of the installation of speed cameras.
Among the major highways set to benefit from the system is the Mombasa - Malaba Highway which was pointed out as a hotspot for accidents.
"We are not just putting technology for enforcement of speed but also vehicular telematics, that technology is going to sort a lot of problems in this country," Murkomen stated.
