We've put measures in place to ensure safety as schools reopen – Murkomen

Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has said the government has put measures in place to ensure road safety as schools reopen on Monday, May 13, 2024.

Speaking on Saturday in Homa Bay County, he emphasised the ministry will undertake a serious crackdown on road users.

He urged drivers and all road users to take care of the learners to avoid losing young lives.

"Watoto wetu wanaenda shule jumatatu na tumeweka mikakati kwa barabara zetu kuhakikisha ya kwamba tutachunguza magari zote lazima ikuwe compliant kwa sheria ya mambo ya usalamu barabarani," he said.

This is loosely translated to, "Our children are going back to school on Monday, and we have put measures in our roads to ensure that all vehicles are compliant with traffic rules for road safety."

Murkomen said the Ministry of Transport is working with the Ministry of Interior, which has already directed the National Police Service to provide security on the roads.

It has also directed traffic police to take care of the students travelling.

"Over a million students are going back to school. That means there will be pressure on public transport. We will be monitoring unroadworthy vehicles," he emphasised.

"We will be very tough because we want to make sure our people are safe."

Murkomen urged parents to ensure that they release their children early enough as a way of playing the role of ensuring their kids' safety and so the ministry can monitor their journeys to school.

On April 28, the CS issued an advisory to drivers as they transport school children, advising them to maintain a safe distance, slow down and exercise patience in areas with heavy rain or flooding to minimise risks.

"Road users should not underestimate the dangers of rain and flooding, as even shallow pools can hide deep potholes or deep currents," he said.

Murkomen maintained that reckless behavior on the roads will not be tolerated saying the National Transport and Safety Authority and the police will intensify enforcement of traffic rules during this period.

He called on road users to take personal responsibility by avoiding risky behaviours such as speeding or overloading.

He also urged the public to report reckless driving for action to be taken against such individuals breaking the law.

"Drivers who endanger the lives of other road users by ignoring traffic regulations or crossing dangerous waters will be held accountable for their actions," Murkomen said.