As holiday travel intensifies across the country, Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir has appealed to Kenyans to take extra care on the roads. He urged both drivers and passengers to remain alert and responsible to prevent accidents during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
In a statement released on Tuesday, CS Chirchir emphasized that road safety is a collective responsibility, starting with each individual.
“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 highlighted the importance of vehicle maintenance and compliance with traffic regulations. “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 added.
CS Chirchir also encouraged the public to report any road hazards 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 said.
To support safer travel, enforcement centers have been established at police stations across the country to monitor roads and reduce accidents during the holiday period.
The Cabinet Secretary closed his message with 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 for vigilance comes as authorities warn of a spike in road accidents during the festive season. Motorists are urged to plan trips carefully, drive responsibly, and cooperate with traffic officers.
Earlier this week, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja urged motorists, motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians to stay vigilant. Speaking on Tuesday, he said that police and other justice sector agencies met under the National Council on the Administration of Justice, chaired by Chief Justice Martha Koome, to address accident risks.
“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 reminded all road users to consider the safety of others. “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.”
