NAIROBI, Kenya – The government will soon require long-distance trucks and passenger service vehicles to be fitted with telematics devices in their cabins as part of new measures to curb the rising number of fatal road crashes.
Telematics technology combines telecommunications and informatics to remotely monitor vehicles, collecting data on performance and driver behaviour in real time.
Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir told MPs on Thursday the devices will help authorities enforce safety rules, particularly against driver fatigue among those covering long hours on the road.
“It is unfortunate that we have lost so many lives in the recent week. I send my condolences to the affected families,” Chirchir told the National Assembly’s Transport and Infrastructure Committee. “For those driving for more hours, we will deploy telematics in the drivers’ cabins.”
The CS said new rest stops will also be built along major highways to give drivers safe places to take breaks.
He noted that many accidents occur because drivers push on when tired due to the lack of proper parking facilities.
The measures come as road deaths continue to climb. According to official data, 2,933 people have died between January and August 10 this year, with at least 80 fatalities recorded in the past few days alone.
Recent tragedies include the Kisumu crash that killed 26 mourners, a Naivasha train-bus collision that claimed eight lives, and several other incidents.
Chirchir said the government will step up vehicle inspections to ensure only roadworthy vehicles operate, with new regulations to allow private licensed operators to carry out checks across the country.
He also urged pedestrians, boda boda riders, cyclists, and motorists to take greater personal responsibility for road safety, warning that carelessness by any road user can have deadly consequences.
In collaboration with the Kenya Red Cross, the government is reviewing and mapping high-risk black spots nationwide for targeted upgrades, such as road widening and the planned expansion of the Nithi bridge.
Safety audits are underway on sections recently affected by deadly crashes, with technical recommendations expected within a week.
