Transport stakeholders and police in Murang’a county have pledged to work together to curb road carnage ahead of the Christmas festivities.
The stakeholders made the commitment during a meeting in Murang’a town to discuss road safety, strengthen cooperation between transport operators and security agencies, and improve crime prevention ahead of the busy festive season.
Kangema Travellers Sacco chairperson Francis Kihia urged public service vehicle operators to ensure speed governors remained intact. He warned that interfering with the devices endangered passengers and other road users.
“We have taken this as our responsibility as Saccos. Every Sacco must engage its drivers and other employees to ensure they observe the rules and help reduce accidents, especially during the Christmas season,” Kihia said.
The meeting brought together Murang’a County police commander Kimaiyo Kemboi, representatives of the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), county government officials, matatu operators and transporters.
Kihia noted that relations between transport operators and security officers had improved, making it easier to address safety concerns and work together to protect passengers.
He said Saccos had a responsibility to sensitise drivers on compliance with speed limits and ensure vehicles met the prescribed safety requirements.
Martin Kangangi, chairperson of the Murang’a Transporters Association, urged drivers to avoid speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol, noting that road safety depended on responsible driving.
“Drivers should be careful and stop driving at excessive speeds. Let the vehicles operate at 80 kilometres per hour because, by protecting your own life, you are also protecting the passengers you carry,” Kangangi said.
He thanked the police for bringing transport operators together, noting that continued engagement would strengthen cooperation and help reduce road incidents.
Murang’a County Police Commander Kimaiyo Kemboi said the meeting had focused on information sharing, confidentiality and resolving disputes within transport Saccos before they escalated into security concerns.
He said the stakeholders had agreed to hold regular meetings to address emerging issues promptly and strengthen collaboration in preventing crime within the transport sector.
“We have agreed to be brothers to one another. If transport operators notice any criminal activity, they should report it to the relevant Sacco and work with the police to ensure the matter is addressed,” Kemboi said.
He urged more Saccos to participate in future engagements, noting that broader cooperation would improve security and ensure transport services continued to operate smoothly.
The police commander also warned against politicians exploiting young people and public transport operators to cause violence during the 2027 election campaign period.
He cautioned that insecurity could disrupt transport services, restrict movement and hurt local businesses. He urged stakeholders to resist attempts to involve them in political violence.
Kemboi further called for cooperation between transport operators and county enforcement officers to address parking challenges, particularly congestion caused by tuk-tuks occupying designated parking bays.
The renewed road safety campaign comes ahead of the December festive season, when increased travel to rural homes and holiday destinations raises concerns about road crashes.
According to the National Transport and Safety Authority, 4,748 people died in road crashes in 2024, compared with 4,324 in 2023. December recorded 470 fatalities, making it the deadliest month of the year.
During the 2025 festive season, authorities intensified nationwide traffic enforcement following a rise in road deaths.
On December 23 alone, 16 fatal crashes claimed 25 lives, according to an NTSA statement.
