Use NG-CDF funds to curb road carnage, MPs urged

Members of Parliament are urging the use of part of the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) to bolster road safety initiatives and reduce the number of road fatalities, particularly those involving boda boda riders. Despite various government efforts, boda boda-related accidents continue to claim many lives in Kenya.

The Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Transport, Hon. George Kariuki, emphasized the need for MPs to allocate NG-CDF funds to collaborate with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) in providing helmets for riders and pillion passengers. Further, the MPs called for intensified road safety education and awareness campaigns across the country, while ensuring NTSA services are brought closer to the public.

Nakuru Town West MP Samuel Arama expressed concern over the long distances many Kenyans must travel to access NTSA services, despite paying taxes like other citizens. NTSA Director General Eng. Nashon Kondiwa acknowledged the road safety crisis in Kenya, citing inadequate funding as a major challenge. Kondiwa added that NTSA is striving to expand its services to all 47 counties, currently operating in only 17 of them.

The parliamentary committee also toured the NTSA's modernized vehicle inspection centre in Likoni, where they evaluated the services offered and the progress made at the facility.