Africa-Press – Kenya. Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir has called on Kenyans to observe road safety measures as they travel to join loved ones during the festive season. In a statement issued on Tuesday, CS Chirchir urged both passengers and drivers to prioritize safety on the roads.
“I want to encourage the drivers, the operators, the passengers who will be traveling in privately owned vehicles or in public vehicles to really ensure that we drive safely, we be cautious on our roads and we preserve lives by not driving carelessly as we travel during this festive period,” he said.
He reminded road users to ensure that vehicles are in good condition and to comply with traffic rules. “Safety starts with me as we drive. Is the vehicle in good condition? Can we observe the traffic rules that we also cooperate with the enforcers once they basically help us because they are there to help us to enforce and to ensure safety,” CS Chirchir said.
The Cabinet Secretary also encouraged Kenyans to report any dangers or traffic concerns to the National Police Service and the National Transport and Safety Authority.
“The Government emphasises reporting any dangers to the police and the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA). Road safety is a shared responsibility,” he added.
CS Chirchir noted that enforcement centers have been set up along various police stations nationwide to support safe travel and reduce road accidents during the Christmas and New Year holidays.
He concluded his message by extending festive greetings to all Kenyans. “Let me finally wish all Kenyans very happy holidays, to the Christians a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,” he said.
The call comes as millions of Kenyans are travelling across the country to celebrate Christmas and New Year, a period that historically sees a rise in road accidents.
Authorities have urged the public to be cautious, plan their journeys, and cooperate with traffic enforcers to ensure safety.A week ago, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja urged motorists, motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians to exercise caution on the roads during the festive season, citing increased travel and a surge in road accidents.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Kanja said the police and other justice sector agencies had met under the National Council on the Administration of Justice, ordinarily chaired by Chief Justice Martha Koome, to resolve the accidents.
“It is the festive season and there is a lot of movement by Kenyans, which means heavy vehicular traffic on our major roads,” Kanja said.
“We have noted a surge in accidents, and one life lost is one too many.” He appealed to drivers to be mindful of other road users, including motorcyclists and cyclists, as travel peaks over the holidays.
“At this juncture, I would like to advise our drivers to drive carefully so that they can take care of others,” he said.
“Those riding motorcycles, pedal cyclists, and everybody else must take care of one another.”
