Usalama Barabarani - Launch
The Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport Hon Kipchumba Murkomen yesterday launched the Usalama Barabarani Festive campaign aimed at promoting road safety, especially during this festive season.
The Cabinet Secretary launched two critical tools under the campaign, which is aimed at helping to reduce the number of deaths and injuries on the country's roads.
He launched the Kenya Highway Code and Learner Drivers' Handbook, which will be freely distributed to all motorists and will go a long way in promoting responsible road use across the country.
Hon. Murkomen urged all drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians to familiarise themselves with the rules and nr ambassadors of road safety while using the roads.
The CS said that over the last year, the Ministry's collective effort has reduced road traffic fatalities. From January 1st to December 7th, the country witnesses a commendable 8.11% decrease in lives lost due to road traffic injuries compared with the same period last year. It experienced a reduction from 4,352 fatalities last year to 3,999 fatalities this year. He reiterated that while this is progress, every life life lost remains a poignant reminder that the Ministry's work is far from over.
Notably, the reduction in deaths coincided with a concerning increase in the number of seriously injured individuals, suggesting that more work needs to be done to improve road safety.
The Cabinet Secretary was disheartened to report a rose in fatalities among pedal cyclists, and this he attributed to factors such as speeding, dangerous cycling, and inadequate non-motorized transport facilities.
Hon. Murkomen noted that a majority of road traffic incidents can be prevented by adhering to safety rules, adding that about 90% of accidents result from unsafe road user behaviour.
He implored each citizen to ta l e personal responsibility and minimise the factors that contribute to risky road behaviour.
The Highway Code includes rules and guidelines applicable to all road users, be they learners or experienced drivers. The CS appeared to vehicle operators to carry functional first aid kits and fire extinguishers and to embrace basic first aid training. He urged them to support the government's efforts to restore sanity on the roads, particularly during this festive season.
He said that as part of the government's commitment to road safety, the NTSA, in collaboration with the National Police Service, will intensify enforcement activities during the festive season,focusing on illegal PSVs. He urged everyone to plan journey and avoid overloading, speeding, and drunk driving.
Hon. Murkomen wished all a joyous and safe festive season, filled with responsible choices.
The Usalama Barabarani Festive Campaign was launched in partnership with among others, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), Matatu Owners Association, Safaricom, Kenya Transporters Association, Kenya Long Distance Drivers Union, Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association, and the Road Safety Association.
