Government urged to prioritise road safety ahead of Christmas travels

When Kisumu Central Base Commander Jane Mbevi inspected seat belts in one of the PSVs in Kisumu during the national crackdown on un-road-worthy vehicles. [Denish Ochieng, Standard] The government has been urged to reign in on rogue drivers operating in the public matatu sector as many Kenyans plan to travel to various destinations for Christmas celebrations. Kenyan-based tourism investor Nazir Jinnah said agencies tasked with road safety must play their role and ensure passengers using the public transport system are well secured on the roads. While calling for reforms in the sector, Jinnah said Kenya's Matatu sector is a multi-billion industry, but one grappling with a myriad of challenges. According to available government statistics, the industry generates a whooping Sh200 billion in revenue annually, while offering employment to one million people. Efforts to restore order in the industry have always been futile. Nazir Jinnah, a Kenyan-based investor has called for urgent attention to the industry and more so now when millions of Kenyans will be traveling across the country, to mark the December festivities. Data from the National Transport and Safety Authority-NTSA indicates that Kenya loses more than 3,000 lives annually to road accidents, mainly caused by human errors like speeding and drunk driving. The authority last month appealed to Kenyans to make their travel arrangements in advance to avoid the rush witnessed during the festive season that leads to increased road accidents. Addressing Journalists in Nairobi, NTSA Programmes Director Samuel Musumba said that at least 3,500 Kenyans have lost their lives in road carnage since the beginning of the year and called on motorists to be responsible while using the roads. But Jinnah said roads where accidents repeatedly occur should be redesigned for safety and tougher penalties be imposed on careless drivers to curb the tendency. "Safety should be paramount in our transportation system. We must invest in newer, safer vehicles to protect the lives of those who rely on matatus daily. It is not just about convenience but ensuring every journey is a safe journey," he said. Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has recently tried to revive efforts to reform the sector. He has since met several stakeholders with a focus on exploring various ways through which the industry can be streamlined to ensure the professionalism of the highest order. The CS also sought to identify ways to transform the industry from an informal to a formal sub-sector regulated by set codes of conduct and policy guidelines. "This would create better working terms for employees, uphold professionalism in the handling of passengers and promote efficiency in its management and operations. We will be engaging further with all industry players and the public to concretise agreeable reforms that would enhance proficiency, safety and reliability," Murkomen said. Many vehicles, now exceeding their intended capacity, have undergone modifications that contribute to overcrowding and pose potential safety hazards on the nation's roads. The aging fleet, a significant portion of which is over two decades old, raises alarming concerns regarding passenger safety. "The pressing issue now demands a holistic approach to ensure the safety and well-being of all passengers," Jinnah said. To secure safer journeys, he said that there is an urgent call for the implementation and rigorous enforcement of stringent standards. This includes regular vehicle inspections, adherence to maximum passenger capacities, and the promotion of responsible driving practices. Similar reform efforts by various government officials have remained futile with no fruits. "By implementing and enforcing safer standards, we not only save lives but also elevate the matatu sector to be a symbol of reliable and secure transportation for all Kenyans," he said.

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