Government agencies in the country have been asked to be responsible and accountable to ensure policies and measures in their jurisdictions are adhered to and implemented.
Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi, who is also the Deputy Speaker in the Senate, while giving his speech during the World Day of Remembrance national celebrations held at Muthambi in Tharaka Nithi County, said government agencies had been compromised, with existing policies not being followed up by the relevant authorities.
The Senate Deputy Speaker noted that President William Ruto had tasked departments to be accountable and responsible, adding that the government was not ready to fail due to unprofessionalism by part of the public service.
“We have no shortage of labour. We have qualified people who can run affairs and replace public servants in compromised agencies. Everyone will carry their own cross. For example, KeNHA has placed road signs all over but there is no agency to follow up. If people in charge under NTSA are not working, they should be replaced,” he said.
In addition, the Meru Senator asked all road users to be responsible and agencies to work together to avert road accidents.
“In most countries, we have minimal cases of accidents due to structures that work and adherence to traffic laws and guidelines. These are the countries that respect and obey traffic rules such as speed limits as required by law,” he said.
Maara Member of Parliament Kareke Mbiuki while speaking at the event faulted road safety departments such as National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) for not being responsible enough to ensure measures meant for road safety were being followed.
The MP noted that most of the accidents witnessed on Kenyan roads were as a result of reckless driving.
He also asked the government to make funds available for payment of road contractors to allow completion of stalled projects which include maintenance of previously constructed ones.
The Maara MP reminded President William Ruto on his commitment to re-design the ‘killer’ Nithi bridge and asked the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to speed up with implementation of the design.
“The President committed that once he takes over, he will ensure the bridge is re-designed. Many lives have been lost due to accidents on the black spot. We ask the government to consider and listen to the people to ensure their safety,” he said.
Senate Deputy Speaker Kathuri Murungi asked that the government ensures the re-designing of the bridge is budgeted for in the next financial year, saying all pending projects in the region could wait until the bridge is rectified.
“We would like to see the re-designing of the bridge budgeted for in the 2025-2026 financial year. Let the government prioritize the bridge, all pending projects can wait. We have lost a lot of lives and many families have been affected,” he said.
The two leaders also advocated for consideration of an upgrade of the Makutano-Meru highway to dual carriage.
However, Central Region KeNHA Director Francis Kimata said the Nithi bridge design has already been undertaken for realignment of the stretch and separation of traffic through dualling.
The national celebrations included a walk to the Nithi bridge blackspot, testimonials from past accident victims, and a recovery and evacuation drill by the Tharaka Nithi Rescue and Emergency Team.
The day was set aside to remember all people killed and injured on roads, acknowledge the crucial role played by emergency services and promote evidence-based actions to prevent further road accidents.
By David Mutwiri and Blaise Gitonga
