Good morning,
The government has stepped up its efforts to reduce carnage as the agency’s report shows more Kenyans perished on highways this year.
At least 4,432 Kenyans died in road crashes between January and December 13, a new National Transport and Safety Authority(NTSA) shows.
The report released on Tuesday reveals that 4,271 lives were lost within the same period last year.
NTSA said fatality rates are higher in highly urbanised counties. The agency attributed the development to improved infrastructure and increased population, a trend that has escalated interaction between vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, motorcyclists and vehicles on the road.
Data shows most of the fatal traffic crashes occurred between 5 pm and 9 pm with the peak last week being 5 pm. This was attributed to reduced enforcement during these times, high volumes of traffic and pedestrian(rush hour), pedestrians crossing at non-designated areas and fatigue among others.
Following the increase in accidents, a countrywide crackdown on motorists and road users flouting traffic regulations was launched yesterday to contain deaths and injuries traditionally witnessed around the festive season.
A multi-disciplinary team will target speeding, overloading of goods and excess passengers, driving without valid licenses, reckless and drunk driving and unroadworthy vehicles and motorbikes.
Meanwhile, here are news stories making headlines in Opera News today;
Education CS, KNEC Chairperson to Hand Over Report to Ruto Ahead of Exam Release
President William Ruto who is currently hosting a delegation from the Ministry of Education and the Kenya national examination Council ahead of today’s much-anticipated release of the examinations that saw more than 1 million candidates sit for the exams a few weeks ago.
This comes just a few days after the president who was outside the Country landed back and is expected to be briefed on the current situation in terms of the examinations.
‘Muslim Women Have a Right Not to Wear Hijab’ Raila’s Man Hits Back at CS Duale Over Hijab Order
Defence cabinet secretary Aden Duale on Tuesday surprised Kenyans after he announced that it is mandatory for all Muslim girls and women to wear the religious hijab. Speaking during an event, Duale further warned anyone against the hijab wear should prepare to shift from Kenya.
His comment, however, seemed to have rubbed other Kenyans with the majority attacking the Muslim leader for such comments.
Among those who reacted include Raila’s spokesperson in the 2022 presidential campaign team, Prof. Makau Mutua. The politician stated that Duale should remember that the constitution protects Muslim ladies and they have a right to wear or not to wear the hijab.
Ruto Calls Emergency Meeting With KKA Poll Losers Amid Rising Cold War Between Old and New Allies
Sources close to the statehouse have confirmed that president William Ruto has called for an emergency meeting with politicos who vied under the Kenya Kwanza Alliance umbrella and lost and at the same time failed to secure any state job.
The meeting comes amid a rising cold war between new and old allies. A section of old allies who lost in the polls has been complaining that the president has awarded some Johny-come lately state jobs and forgotten about them.
“Yes, I have just received a call informing me that our bosses have a meeting with us tomorrow morning at Statehouse. I understand the agenda is bringing together all those who vied and lost. Perhaps they would want to tell us that they have not forgotten about us and that we should be patient with them as they organize the government,” a UDA election loser who anonymity told Nation Africa.