Mudavadi tasked the officers with ensuring that all PSVs have the registered name of the Sacco, company or institution.
Acting Interior Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi on Friday, November 15 ordered a nationwide crackdown on all matatus, directing the National Police Service (NPS) to ensure Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) are roadworthy and driven safely.
In a statement, Mudavadi tasked the officers with ensuring that all PSVs have the registered name of the Sacco, company or institution.
The acting Interior CS, who doubles up as the Prime and Foreign Affairs CS, further maintained that the traffic officers should ensure that the vehicles have inspection status and a valid road service license and that they operate from their licensed routes.
“I hereby instruct all traffic police officers to ensure that all PSVs are roadworthy and are driven safely. They must ensure that all the PSVs on the road have The registered name of the Sacco/Company/Institution, have inspection status and operate from their licensed routes. Also important is that each PSV must have a valid Road Service Licence,” he directed.
Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi speaking at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan on November 13, 2024. /MUSALIA MUDAVADI
In the same statement, Mudavadi expressed his regret following the deaths of 13 people in a road accident that took place along the Kisumu-Kakamega Highway and that involved two matatus and a trailer.
On Wednesday, November 13, a fuel tanker rammed into two 14-seater matatus. The tanker was travelling towards Kakamega when lost control and hit the matatus which were heading towards Chavakali at around 6 pm.
While ten passengers reportedly died on the spot, three more succumbed while undergoing treatment at the Kakamega County Referral Hospital.
“I am saddened by the grisly accident and join in mourning with the families who have tragically lost their 13 loved ones in the unfortunate accident at Iguhu Bridge along the Kisumu-Kakamega Highway. In this time of profound grief, may the Lord grant them comfort and strength,” he added, sending his heartfelt wishes to those who have been injured for a swift and full recovery.
The Prime CS further urged all road users to exercise extra caution and vigilance to ensure the safety of all ahead of the festive season, including students sitting for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams.
Per his sentiments, records indicate that this year has seen more fatalities and serious injuries among motorcyclists, pillion passengers, and pedestrians, some of which were preventable.
“Between January and November, we have lost 4,047 people, compared to 3,726 during the same period last year. 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. The statistics above indicate that there has been an increase in the incidents,” he continued.
Mudavadi called on motorists to ensure that they drive carefully, and public service Vehicles (PSV) adhere to the road safety rules and ensure that their vehicles are compliant and roadworthy.
