Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced the commencement of a new programme that will seek to address road safety in the country.

While launching the programme on Saturday in Kericho County, Murkomen noted that road safety is a major concern in the country, especially after the death of 50 people from the accident at Londian junction.

The pilot phase of this campaign will cover the counties of Kericho, Nakuru, Kiambu, Machakos, and Nyeri, with plans underway to spread it to other counties.

“In fulfillment of a promise I made after the Londiani accident, I have this afternoon launched a nationwide road safety campaign in Kericho County.

“The campaign, which seeks to reduce road accidents, entails marking of roads and placement of signage on major roads and highways in an effort to reduce road accidents,” Murkomen stated.

The Cabinet Secretary also noted that the programme will invest in making roads safer by building more pedestrian crossings and sidewalks as well as improving road markings.

In addition to these key areas, the programme is also expected to focus on public awareness and education. The goal is to change the behavior of road users and make them more aware of the dangers of reckless driving.

Immediately after the Londiani accident, Murkomen assured Kenyans that the government would launch a new programme that would improve driver training and licensing.

In the programme, the Cabinet Secretary seeks to ensure the quality of driver training and licensing in Kenya is well improved so as to avoid accidents.

“This will include developing a new driver training curriculum and implementing stricter licensing requirements.

“The programme will also focus on enhancing traffic enforcement. This will include deploying more traffic police officers on the roads and using technology to enforce traffic laws,” Murkomen stated.

Murkomen stated that the government has committed funding, as well as the cooperation of road users and other stakeholders to ensure that the programmes become successful.

Among those present at the launch were the Governor of Kericho Erick Mutai, the Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, the County Women Rep Beatrice Kemei, area Members of Parliament Nelson Koech and Benjamin Lang’at, MCAs, NTSA officials, and National and County Government officials.

The Londiani fatal road accident occurred on June 30, 2023, in Kericho County.

A lorry carrying a shipping container lost control and collided into several other vehicles, pedestrians, and market traders at a busy junction. The lorry hit minibuses, market stalls, boda bodas, and private cars.