Mudavadi orders crackdown on unlicensed matatus to combat rising road injuries
The enhanced patrols are designed to ensure compliance with traffic laws, prevent reckless driving, and stop unlicensed and overloaded public service vehicles (PSVs) from operating.
In response to a concerning 11 per cent rise in serious road injuries since 2023, Acting Interior Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has directed a nationwide crackdown on unlicensed and unroadworthy matatus.
Mudavadi on Thursday announced that there will be increased police presence and patrols both day and night along major highways.
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These enhanced patrols are designed to ensure compliance with traffic laws, prevent reckless driving, and stop unlicensed and overloaded public service vehicles (PSVs) from operating.
"I urge Kenyans in this festive season, especially public service vehicle drivers, to be careful and drive safely to ensure the safety of our people," Mudavadi said while addressing the media at Harambee House, Nairobi on Thursday.
The directive comes as road injuries have been rising sharply, with an 11 per cent increase recorded since the beginning of 2023
Although fatalities have seen a decrease, the month of December remains the deadliest for road accidents.
The number of road crash casualties has risen this year, with 21,620 cases recorded by November 2024, according to the latest data from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).
This is an increase compared to 20,191 cases during the same period in 2023, signalling growing concerns about road safety in the country.
Fatalities
Fatalities have climbed to 4,282 in 2024, up from 3,901 in 2023. Serious injuries also rose to 10,662 compared to 9,501 last year.
Slight injuries, however, saw a slight decrease from 6,789 in 2023 to 6,676 this year. Pedestrians and motorcyclists remain the most vulnerable road users.
According to the NTSA, 3,917 pedestrians have died in road accidents this year, up from 3,427 in 2023. Motorcyclists recorded 4,042 fatalities, an increase from 3,714 last year.
Drivers and passengers also saw a rise in casualties. A total of 1,982 drivers were affected, including 369 fatalities, compared to 1,865 cases in 2023.
Passenger casualties surged to 8,804, with 788 fatalities, compared to 8,641 cases in 2023.
Pillion passengers, who are motorcycle passengers, recorded 2,673 casualties, an increase from 2,356 in 2023.
Among pedal cyclists, the total number of casualties rose to 202, compared to 188 last year.
As a result, Mudavadi has urged all road users to be extra cautious, particularly those driving PSVs on long-distance routes, as traffic volumes increase during the holiday season.
In addition to the crackdown on unlicensed matatus, the Interior CS has called for strict enforcement of vehicle roadworthiness regulations.
All PSVs must have valid road service licenses, either for long-distance or commuter routes, to ensure that only safe vehicles are allowed on the road.
This measure will help safeguard passengers and other road users during the busy travel period.
The Interior CS also ordered heightened action against illegal and unlicensed PSVs.
These vehicles, which fail to meet safety standards, pose a significant threat to passenger safety and are to be removed from operations immediately.
Only vehicles that meet the required standards as per the National Public Transport Service Regulations of 2014 will be permitted to carry passengers.
The Interior CS further directed the enforcement of speed limits across all major highways, a move aimed at reducing road crashes caused by speeding.
Speeding has long been a leading cause of fatalities, and Mudavadi stressed that strict monitoring and enforcement are essential to prevent accidents.
Mudavadi emphasized personal responsibility for law enforcement officers. Base commanders and officers serving within their stations must be actively engaged in ensuring road safety.
Every officer is expected to monitor, report, and address any violations of road safety regulations within their jurisdiction, with the ultimate goal of reducing road fatalities by 50 per cent before 2028.
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