Transport Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen has announced a plan to relocate traders and hawkers plying their trade along highways after the Londiani junction accident that claimed the lives of over 45 people.
Murkomen revealed the move to relocate traders from highways while speaking at the scene of the tragic accident on Saturday morning.
According to the CS, county governments will be setting aside land to be used as open markets in every county to avoid hawking near roads.
"I will issue a directive after consultation to ensure Kenya National Highways Authority (Kenha) and Kenya Rural Roads Authority (Kura) roads are designed in a manner that will have people conducting business without endangering the lives of others," Murkomen said.
Victims' families
Murkomen additionally said the government would also support the families of the accident victims.
Kericho Governor Erick Mutai, who was present, suggested placing a 50 km speed limit in the area as well as helping cover medical bills at the Londioani Sub-County Hospital.
"The government will foot the hospital and postmortem bills and we will offer other support to the affected families during this time of grieving," Mutai said.
He also mentioned there would be fundraising to give the victims a decent send-off.
"We will organise a harambee in order to give those who perished a decent send-off without straining the families," Mutai disclosed.
Mutai also appealed for blood donations from Kenyans to help those in hospital nursing injuries.
Among those present at the scene were Interior CS Prof Kithure Kindiki, Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruyiot among other government officials.
