Matiang’i: Brace for tomorrow’s crackdown

Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i with Nakuru Town West MP Samuel Arama after a church service at Califonia SDA church in Nakuru. Matiang'i has maintained that Michuki Rules shall be enforced from Monday. [Mercy Kahenda, Standard]

Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has re-affirmed that the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and Traffic Act shall be enforced countrywide from November 12, as earlier stated.

Dr Matiang’i said the government has put in place mechanisms to ensure the rules are enforced and guarantee safety on Kenyan roads.

He said the Michuki rules enacted in 2003, are aimed at returning order on roads and curbing accidents that continue to claim lives. The rules were introduced and briefly enforced by then Transport Minister John Michuki, now deceased.

Speaking at Califonia Seventh Day Adventists (SDA) church in Nakuru, the CS said all stakeholders in the transport industry, including motorists and passengers should abide by the rules.

“We cannot live like animals. We cannot sit and watch people die on our roads, we should live an orderly life. This is why the ministry shall ensure the transport rules are effected on our roads from Monday,” he said.

He said it is unfortunate that the number of victims of accidents grows each single day, and many people are now nursing injuries in hospitals.

“Order on our roads shall be guaranteed. We have been reporting numerous number of accidents that have caused deaths of innocent Kenyans, with some injured. This must be stopped,” said the CS.

Whereas matatu operators have vehemently opposed enforcement of the rules, Matiang’i said there shall be no negotiations.

The CS cited the Fort Tenan accident on Muhoroni-Kericho road that claimed over 50 lives, saying it is unfortunate that a productive population is being wiped away by accidents.

“We are losing a productive population. Let us agree as leaders and Kenyans to live orderly. We cannot accept this madness on our roads,” he said.

The CS also asked passengers to abide by the set rules, for example, they should have receipts for their travels, and not board vehicles that are full.

He said as the festive season approaches, there will be a significant increase in the number of those travelling and the rules must be observed to safeguard their lives.

“November, December and January are months with high number of individuals travelling, we do not want to lose lives. We don’t want to wake up to news that an accident has killed people in Salgaa or any other part of the country,” he said.

“Prisons should set up more budget because there will be more visitors this month.”

He warned drivers against being reckless on the road and that they should maintain their vehicles in good condition, and take enough rest before proceeding on a journey.