CS Ruku urges Kenyans to embrace personal responsibility

Speaking in Emali during the launch of the Highway Emergency Response Program along the Mombasa Road, Ruku said reckless behaviour by drivers, passengers, and pedestrians continues to cost the country thousands of lives.

The program, launched in partnership with St. John Ambulance, aims to enhance timely response to road emergencies across major highways.

Ruku revealed that 4,748 people lost their lives in road accidents in 2024, translating to an average of 13 deaths every day. He described the situation as “a national tragedy that must be confronted through both government effort and individual responsibility.”

The CS said the government, through his ministry and in collaboration with emergency response organisations, is strengthening trauma and emergency systems to ensure swift medical attention for accident victims.

“We are working closely with emergency response stakeholders to strengthen our preparedness and response mechanisms along key transport corridors,” he stated.

To boost the country’s emergency response capacity, Ruku announced that the government has allocated KSh 350 million for the construction of a modern emergency hospital in Emali, which will serve as a lifesaving hub for victims of accidents along the busy Mombasa–Nairobi Highway.

“I want to appeal to every driver, passenger, pedestrian, and bodaboda rider to take personal responsibility for safety on our roads. Let us avoid overspeeding, overloading, and reckless behaviour that endangers lives. Road safety begins with each one of us,” he added.

Makueni Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili lauded the national government for the intervention, emphasising the need to redesign infrastructure on accident-prone roads. She noted that Mombasa Road remains one of the most dangerous highways in the country due to congestion and careless driving.

“Once the road is fully dualled and partitioned, we expect to see a significant drop in fatalities,” Mulili said, while urging motorists to avoid drinking and driving.

Representatives from St. John Ambulance welcomed the partnership, noting that the initiative will significantly improve the country’s emergency response capacity. They said the organisation is focused on training Kenyans in first aid and aims to have at least one certified first aid expert in every village across the country.

They revealed that 14 trauma and emergency centres have already been established from Mombasa to the Malaba border, ensuring the availability of ambulances, medical specialists, and rapid responders** along the highways.

The project also seeks to equip everyday Kenyans, including bodaboda operators, traffic police officers, and community representatives certified first aid responders capable of saving lives before professional help arrives.

During the event, CS Ruku witnessed a first aid exhibition by St. John Ambulance staff, who demonstrated their expertise and efficiency in saving lives during accident and emergency scenarios.

The Highway Emergency Response Program forms part of a broader government initiative to build a culture of safety, preparedness, and compassion on Kenyan roads, a step many hope will finally begin to reverse the country’s deadly road statistics.