Kenya Traffic Rescue Mission Urges Stricter Traffic Rules and Road Safety Measures
Nairobi—In a renewed effort to mitigate the rising cases of road accidents, the Kenya Traffic Rescue Mission (KTRM) is calling for heightened focus on road engineering designs and data-driven enforcement of traffic rules. KTRM Technical Director Mr. Paul Kabua announced a comprehensive set of recommendations aimed at enhancing road safety for all users in Kenya.
According to a new release by Kenya News Agency, the organization is advocating for the establishment of a national speed management policy, the integration of cutting-edge technologies for compliance assessment, and stakeholder engagement within the transport sector. Additionally, the group is pressing for the swift deployment of an Intelligent Road Transport Management System, the installation of speed cameras along major roadways, and black spot mapping.
Mr. Kabua further proposed the introduction of a demerit point system to encourage safe driving practices. Under this system, drivers would accumulate demerit points on their licenses for traffic offenses such as speeding, overlapping, and Driving Under the Influence (DUI). Based on the number of points amassed within a specific period, a driver’s license could be suspended or revoked. Mr. Kabua suggested allocating 10 percent of the national budget to road safety awareness campaigns.
Speaking at the Salgaa stretch, Mr. Kabua identified several black spots on the Nairobi-Nakuru highway and expressed concerns over the unplanned speed bumps contributing to fatal accidents. He noted that both poor road designs and careless driving have been significant factors in road accidents.
Starting next week, KTRM, in collaboration with other stakeholders, will initiate road safety campaigns targeting motorists and school children. The program will distribute reflective jackets and bangles to road users, aimed at enhancing road safety awareness.
Long-distance truck driver Salim Cheboiwa highlighted the issue of reckless overtaking and called for a change in driver attitudes. He urged the introduction of stiffer penalties for serial offenders, claiming that this would be more effective than the current practice of setting up roadblocks, which he argued often serve as conduits for corruption.
Another truck driver, George Kobi, called for the use of automated driver training and simulators, along with a redesign of hazardous areas. He emphasized that lower speed limits in urban areas would reduce fatalities and ensure the safety of vulnerable road users.
KTRM Secretary Mr. Stephen Ndolo urged private entities to join the government in the road safety initiative. He mentioned that human error accounts for most accidents and called for a redesign of narrow roads, emphasizing the need for dual carriageways especially at known black-spot areas.