Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Acting Interior CS has issued a firm directive to traffic police officers to prioritise road safety as the festive season approaches.

He emphasised that all public service vehicles (PSVs) must meet strict compliance standards.

"I hereby instruct all traffic police officers to ensure that all PSVs are roadworthy and are driven safely," Mudavadi stated.

"They must ensure that all the PSV on the road have the registered name of the Sacco/Company/Institution, have inspection status and operate from their licensed routes. Also important is that each PSV must have a valid Road Service Licence."

This decisive action follows a devastating accident at Iguhu Bridge along the Kisumu-Kakamega Highway, where 13 lives were tragically lost.

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Expressing his sorrow, Mudavadi said, "I am saddened by the grisly accident and join in mourning with the families who have tragically lost their 13 loved ones in the unfortunate accident at Iguhu Bridge along the Kisumu-Kakamega Highway. In this time of profound grief, may the Lord grant them comfort and strength."

He also extended his best wishes for a swift recovery to the injured.

As Kenyans gear up for holiday celebrations and students undertake their Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams, the Prime Cabinet Secretary urged all road users to exercise caution.

"As we approach the festive season, I urge all road users to exercise extra caution and vigilance to ensure the safety of all," he said.

Statistics paint a grim picture of the nation’s roads this year. Between January and November, 4,047 people have lost their lives, compared to 3,726 during the same period in 2023.

A total of 20,369 accidents have been reported, up from 19,262 last year, with serious injuries rising from 9,059 to 10,124 in the same timeframe.

"The statistics above indicate that there has been an increase in the incidents," Mudavadi remarked.

He called on motorists to drive responsibly and urged PSV operators to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and adhere to safety regulations.

With these warnings, the government aims to curb the rising tide of road accidents. As Kenyans take to the roads this festive season, the message is clear: safety must come first to protect lives and prevent further tragedies.