Several passengers were injured when an ENA Coach bus traveling from Nairobi to Usenge overturned along the Nakuru-Kericho Highway on July 4. The bus, carrying a full capacity of passengers, including students returning to school after the midterm break, met with the accident. An official from ENA Bus Company confirmed that the injured individuals were promptly transported to Londiani Hospital for medical treatment.
Local police officers and nearby residents rushed to the scene to assist emergency officials in rescuing passengers from the overturned bus. The exact cause of the accident was not immediately determined at the time of reporting.
The incident occurred just a few kilometers away from the tragic Londiani accident scene, where a trailer collision with parked matatus claimed the lives of 52 individuals. In light of these recent accidents, the Transport Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen, announced a series of measures to prevent further incidents.
During interdenominational prayers in Londiani town, Kericho County, Murkomen disclosed that a bill would be presented in Parliament, requiring all matatus to be equipped with dashcams that transmit real-time data to the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA). These dashcams, part of a telematics system, would include a GPS feature displaying the vehicle's location, a black box recorder monitoring speed, and details of maintenance and servicing.
Additionally, the Transport Cabinet Secretary emphasized the need for expediting the re-testing of public service drivers to ensure their competence and compliance with safety regulations. Murkomen also reiterated the government's plan to relocate roadside traders away from highways and establish new markets with drive-ins to enhance road safety.
The recent bus accident highlights the urgency of implementing measures to improve road safety and protect passengers. The government's proposed initiatives aim to enhance monitoring and accountability within the public transport sector while addressing potential hazards on the highways.