27th of May, 2015/Eldoret…. Key government agencies kicked off a sensitization forum to educate key players on the motor vehicle industry standards and road safety guidelines, aimed at reducing road carnage.
The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), and Kenya Traffic Police Department gathered in Eldoret town with a key goal to educate players in this sector on motor vehicle standards and road safety rules. The forum is supported by TradeMark Africa.
KEBS intends to hold 28 forums across the country. The workshops are mainly targeted at local traders involved in various sectors with an aim of informing and educating the business community on requirements contained in standards and conformity assessment procedures. Mr. Ongwae emphasized that standards are used to achieve three objectives: Facilitate trade, protect consumers from harmful and poor quality goods and protect the environment.
The Kenya Bureau of Standards has developed over 7,900 standards as part of their mandate to provide standardization solutions for sustainable development. Among these are standards that are meant to provide basic rules for road safety for motorists, motorcyclists, cyclists, pedestrians and passengers.
The road transport sector is considerably one of the most important industries to the growth of an economy. Not only does it play a significant role in the movement of goods and persons, but also in economic terms such as source of wealth creation and employment.
“The roads are at the heart of our social and economic development. Supporting road developments means contributing to this process. With this in mind we must also ensure this form of transport is safe to all the road users. KEBS has worked closely with key stakeholders in developing standards to ensure we protect the end users. These cover speed limiters (commonly known as speed governors), speed bumps, motor vehicle body construction & inspection and many more” said Ongwae.
However, noted Ongwae, to improve road safety requires the participation of many different organizations and sectors. For example, all road speed limiters systems should be checked for accuracy and functionality, at least once per year, at the time of the motor vehicle inspection. Therefore, the owners of the motor vehicles must present the vehicles for timely inspection. Thus “No one sector working alone can effectively reduce the number of road casualties. It is us who are gathered here today who will cause this phrase to change,” added Ongwae.
“I urge all of you to adhere to the standards because by not doing so, we will endanger Kenyans, our roads and the environment,” urged the KEBS’ MD.
According to the Kenyan law (Section 70 of Cap 403) the speed limit in urban areas, built up areas and near schools is 50km/h and even lower for certain areas.
TradeMark Africa Country Director, Dr. Chris Kiptoo added:
“The training with SMEs is intended to provide valuable information on standards and conformonity assessment procedures that will allow traders access not just regional but international markets. This links well with TMAs vision of increased prosperity through trade”
On the major roads, the speed is limited to 80km/h for vehicles above a specified tare weight. Speeding drivers or owners of speeding vehicles are responsible for any penalties that may accrue in the event of a violation. According to the law, a public service vehicle must be fitted with speed limiting system. KEBS facilitated the development of the Kenya Standard for speed limiting systems in 2011.
Source: TradeMark Africa (TMA)
TradeMark Africa (TMA) is an aid-for-trade organisation that was established with the aim of growing prosperity in East Africa through increased trade. TradeMark Africa (TMA) operates on a not-for-profit basis and is funded by the development agencies of the following countries: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, UK, and USA. TradeMark Africa (TMA) works closely with East African Community (EAC) institutions, national governments, the private sector and civil society organisations.
