Meru: Government agencies in the country have been asked to be responsible and accountable to ensure policies and measures in their jurisdictions are adhered to and implemented. Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi, who is also the Deputy Speaker in the Senate, emphasized this during the World Day of Remembrance national celebrations held at Muthambi in Tharaka Nithi County. He pointed out that government agencies have been compromised, with existing policies not being followed by the relevant authorities.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Senate Deputy Speaker noted that President William Ruto had tasked departments with being accountable and responsible, stressing that the government would not tolerate failure due to unprofessionalism within the public service. Murungi stated, “We have no shortage of labor. We have qualified people who can run affairs and replace public servants in compromised agencies. Everyone will carry their own cross. For example, KeNHA has placed road signs all over but there is no agency
to follow up. If people in charge under NTSA are not working, they should be replaced.”
In addition to the call for accountability, the Meru Senator urged all road users to be responsible and for agencies to collaborate in averting road accidents. He highlighted that in many countries, minimal accident cases are reported due to effective structures and adherence to traffic laws and guidelines, which include respecting and obeying traffic rules such as speed limits.
Maara Member of Parliament Kareke Mbiuki, speaking at the event, criticized road safety departments like the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) for their lack of responsibility in ensuring road safety measures are followed. He noted that reckless driving is a significant cause of accidents on Kenyan roads and urged the government to allocate funds for the payment of road contractors to complete stalled projects, including maintenance of existing roads.
The MP reminded President William Ruto of his commitment to re-design the hazardou
s Nithi bridge and urged the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to expedite the implementation of the design. Mbiuki stated, “The President committed that once he takes over, he will ensure the bridge is re-designed. Many lives have been lost due to accidents on the black spot. We ask the government to consider and listen to the people to ensure their safety.”
Senate Deputy Speaker Kathuri Murungi also requested that the government budgets for the re-designing of the bridge in the next financial year, emphasizing that pending projects in the region could wait until the bridge is rectified. He remarked, “We would like to see the re-designing of the bridge budgeted for in the 2025-2026 financial year. Let the government prioritize the bridge, all pending projects can wait. We have lost a lot of lives and many families have been affected.”
The two leaders also advocated for the upgrade of the Makutano-Meru highway to a dual carriageway. In response, Central Region KeNHA Director Francis Kimata stated th
at the Nithi bridge design has already been undertaken for realignment of the stretch and separation of traffic through dualling.
The national celebrations featured a walk to the Nithi bridge blackspot, testimonials from past accident victims, and a recovery and evacuation drill by the Tharaka Nithi Rescue and Emergency Team. The day was dedicated to remembering all individuals killed and injured on roads, acknowledging the crucial role played by emergency services, and promoting evidence-based actions to prevent further road accidents.
