MPs urged to use part of NG-CDF funds to boost road safety

NAIROBI, Kenya - Members of Parliament (MPs) have urged the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) to allocate funds towards road safety initiatives. These initiatives include providing helmets for boda boda riders and passengers, as fatalities on Kenyan roads continue to rise. The Parliamentary Committee on Transport proposed this idea, highlighting the persistent number of motorcycle-related accidents despite government efforts.

George Kariuki, Chairperson of the Committee, suggested partnering with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to distribute safety equipment to riders and reduce boda boda-related deaths. Kariuki emphasized that MPs should leverage part of their NG-CDF funds for this cause. The proposal came after the committee assessed NTSA's digitization of services and discussions with the Authority's management on improving road safety and service delivery.

Kariuki pointed out the urgent need for additional interventions at the constituency level, particularly in areas where boda boda transport is prevalent. The committee also urged NTSA to enhance road safety education and awareness campaigns while bringing their services closer to the public. Nakuru Town West MP Samuel Arama criticized NTSA's limited reach, stating that many Kenyans must travel long distances to access basic services, despite paying taxes. He called for greater decentralization of NTSA services to alleviate this burden.

NTSA Director General Nashon Kondiwa acknowledged Kenya's road safety crisis, citing inadequate funding as a major challenge. Kondiwa explained that NTSA is working to expand its service coverage across the country but currently operates in only 17 of Kenya's 47 counties. He emphasized that expanding services would enable more Kenyans to access NTSA services without traveling long distances. The committee later visited NTSA's modernized vehicle inspection center in Likoni, where they assessed service delivery and progress.