Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen made a pivotal announcement on Tuesday, March 19, overturning a directive issued by former President Uhuru Kenyatta that removed National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) officers from road enforcement duties.

In a comprehensive statement, Murkomen disclosed that the decision came after consultations with Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, emphasizing the need for a collaborative approach to road safety.

"After consulting with my esteemed colleague, Prof. Kithure Kindiki, on matters of Interior and National Coordination, we have decided to establish a framework to rescind the previous directive to withdraw NTSA from enforcement duties. Instead, we will implement a collaborative arrangement between NTSA and NPS to enhance enforcement efficiency," stated Murkomen.

The revised policy dictates that NTSA officers will now work in tandem with traffic police, diverging from the 2018 order issued by Uhuru Kenyatta.

The impetus for this reversal stemmed from a tragic accident along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway involving a Kenyatta University bus and a trailer, resulting in the loss of 11 lives and injuries to 20 individuals. Additionally, another fatal accident in Bomet County claimed the lives of five individuals on the same day.

Addressing these incidents, CS Kindiki echoed Murkomen's sentiments, announcing a nationwide operation aimed at curbing road accidents and enhancing road safety measures. He affirmed the government's commitment to drafting comprehensive guidelines to steer this new direction effectively.

"We are instituting nationwide law enforcement initiatives targeting traffic violations, drunk driving, and vehicle roadworthiness," declared Kindiki, expressing grave concerns over the recent surge in road accidents.

The operation, set to involve the Ministries of Interior and Transport alongside NTSA, will prioritize combating corruption on the roads, cited as a significant contributor to accidents. Kindiki urged all road users, including motorcyclists, to adhere to traffic regulations to mitigate road carnage.

With these collaborative efforts and renewed focus on enforcement, the government aims to significantly reduce road fatalities and ensure safer road experiences for all citizens across the country.