Kenya pledges tough measures on road after deadly accident

Kenya's ministry of transport will enhance coordination with state agencies to implement deterrent measures to minimize road accidents during the festive season, officials said Tuesday.

Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Transport, Irungu Nyakera, said law enforcement coupled with public education will be prioritized to prevent accidents along major highways.

"The traffic police and sister agencies will enhance vigilance on our roads and highways during the festive season when Kenyans are expected to troop in large numbers to different destinations in the countryside," Nyakera said.

He was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a regional workshop on road safety.

The remarks came after a tanker loaded with flammable material exploded on a road near Naivasha town on Saturday night, killing 43 people so far.

The tanker was destined to Uganda when it hit a bump and its cargo exploded into an inferno that claimed innocent lives while reducing 13 vehicles held in traffic into shells.

Road accidents are pronounced during the festive season, when Kenyans rush to the countryside and tourist destination to reunite with kinsfolk.

Director General of National Transport Safety Authority, Francis Meja, said state agencies will tighten traffic regulations this festive season to ensure there are no accidents along major highways.

"We are telling motorists and pedestrians to observe traffic rules this festive season or risk severe punishment. Our law enforcement agencies will be on the lookout for culprits," Meja said.

Kenya ranks among African countries with the highest toll of road accidents, many of which are caused by speeding and lethargic enforcement of traffic rules.

Government statistics indicate that an estimated 3,000 Kenyans die annually from road accidents. Endit