Kimaiyo in fresh bid to curb road carnage

Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo addresses journalists in the past. Photo/FILE

What you need to know:

  • Mr Kimaiyo also proposed permanent contracts for drivers and conductors to encourage them to be more responsible on the roads.
  • The National Police Service also recorded 2,029 serious road accidents and 491 less serious one this year.

Police chief David Kimaiyo has announced a new set of measures in a bid curb road accidents.

Among the new measures announced by the Inspector-General of Police on Sunday is a directive that officers commanding police stations be tougher in the enforcement of traffic rules.

Mr Kimaiyo also proposed permanent contracts for drivers and conductors to encourage them to be more responsible on the roads.

The move comes barely a day after six people died when a bus collided with a saloon car on Saturday morning.

“It is unfortunate that we continue to witness terrible accidents and loss of lives on our roads,” Mr Kimaiyo said.

A total of 2,211 people have been killed in accidents this year, police figures show.

Of these, 1,019 were pedestrians, 681 passengers, 211 motorcyclists, 205 drivers and 95 pedal cyclists.

The National Police Service also recorded 2,029 serious road accidents and 491 less serious one this year.

“To address this situation, I have with immediate effect directed that all OCPDs take full charge of their areas and firmly enforce traffic rules at all times,” the IG said in a statement read on his behalf by spokesperson Masoud Mwinyi.

“I have also taken action against officers, including dismissals, who violated operational and administrative statutes,” he added.

Mr Kimaiyo said he was also exploring ways to make drivers and owners of vehicles accountable for accidents.

“The driver may lose his licence for life while the owner will forfeit his or her licences,” he said.

Mr Kimaiyo said vehicle owners could face further charges of being an accomplice to causing death.

The IG is also proposing two drivers for long distance trips.