Mudavadi issues directives to traffic police as road accidents surge

The acting Cabinet Secretary for Interior Musalia Mudavadi has directed traffic police to ensure Kenyans exercise caution while using roads to avert accidents.

This call comes barely hours after he condoled with families of those killed in a grisly road accident at Iguhu bridge on the Kisumu-Kakamega Highway.

“To those who have been injured, I send my heartfelt wishes for a swift and full recovery. As we approach the festive season, I urge all road users to exercise extra caution and vigilance to ensure the safety of all,” he said as he condoled with the 13 victims of the Iguhu bridge accident.

Mudavadi, who is also the Prime Cabinet Secretary, urged all road users to be extra keen while on the road so as not to endanger the lives of others.

“Records indicate that this year has seen more fatalities and serious injuries among motorcyclists, pillion passengers and pedestrians, some of which were preventable,” he noted adding that “Between January and November, we have lost 4,047 people compared to 3,726 during the same period last year.”

Further, Mudavadi revealed that there have been a total of 20,369 accidents compared to 19,262 in 2023.

“Among these accidents, there were 10,124 serious injuries, up from 9,059 last year,” he noted.

Due to this, he has instructed all traffic police officers to ensure that all PSVs in operation are roadworthy and drivers adhere to all traffic laws.

“They must ensure that all the PSVs on the road have registered name of the Sacco, company or institution, have inspection status and operate from their licensed routes. Also important is that each PSV must have valid road service licence,” he directed.