Government to install telematics devices in trucks, PSVs to curb road crashes
Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir told the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure on Thursday that the measures are aimed at reducing crashes caused by driver fatigue, particularly among those who spend long hours on the road.
Long-distance trucks and passenger service vehicles will soon be equipped with telematics devices inside their cabins as the government intensifies efforts to curb road crashes.
Telematics refers to a technology that combines telecommunications and informatics to monitor and manage vehicles or other assets remotely.
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These devices collect and transmit data about vehicle performance and driver conduct, allowing authorities to monitor compliance with road safety regulations in real time.
Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir told the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure on Thursday that the measures are aimed at reducing crashes caused by driver fatigue, particularly among those who spend long hours on the road.
He added that new rest stops for truck drivers will be set up along major highways to provide safe places to pause and recuperate.
“It is unfortunate that we have lost so many lives in the recent week. I send my condolences to the affected families,” Chirchir said. “We are going to employ more technology to assist drivers on the road. For those driving for more hours, we will deploy telematics in the drivers’ cabins.”
Chirchir explained that some drivers continue to operate vehicles beyond safe limits due to a shortage of proper parking facilities, which increases the risk of accidents. “We appreciate that sometimes, if there is parking, the driver could possibly park, and if not, you tend to keep pushing yourself, yet you are tired,” he noted.
The CS said the government is also stepping up vehicle inspections to guarantee that only roadworthy buses, lorries, and cars are on the roads. The ministry is developing regulations to allow inspections to be carried out by licensed private operators across the country.
“We are working on regulations which will allow inspection of vehicles to be franchised, licensed and done by those who are licensed in every corner of the country so that we do not have vehicles that are having challenges or unroadworthy on our roads,” he said.
Chirchir emphasised that road safety is everyone’s responsibility and urged all Kenyans to be vigilant. “We have tended to apportion responsibility where pedestrians, boda bodas or motorists are careless, and sometimes we cross the roads without looking to confirm there are no vehicles and expect the drivers to take care of us. We want to urge Kenyans to exercise caution in various spheres, from pedestrians to boda bodas, cyclists to drivers,” he said.
He added that the government, in collaboration with the Kenya Red Cross Society, is reviewing and mapping all high-risk black spots nationwide.
These locations will receive priority attention for road widening and other safety upgrades, similar to the planned expansion of the Nithi bridge.
Data from crash reports indicate that 2,933 people have died between January and August 10 this year, with at least 80 fatalities recorded in the past few days alone. This month’s accidents include over 40 deaths, notably the Kisumu tragedy, where 26 mourners died when a bus overturned at the Coptic roundabout, and the Naivasha incident in which eight people died after a Kenya Pipeline Company bus collided with a cargo train.
Chirchir said officials from various agencies are conducting safety audits on affected road sections to identify hazards and provide corrective measures. The team is expected to complete its work within a week and submit technical recommendations for urgent implementation to prevent further loss of lives.
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