Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has raised alarm over surging numbers of road accidents caused by sugarcane tractors in the county.
Addressing mourners at Mapera Primary in Kamukuywa during the burial of his young brother Noah Lusaka, who perished in a tragic accident involving a cane tractor, Lusaka called for stringent regulations to reverse the trend.
He tasked the County Transport and Safety Committee to expedite regulations to curb increased road accidents during the transportation of sugarcane to factories in the region.
"Sugarcane tractors are increasingly claiming innocent lives through accidents on our roads. I call upon the County Transport and Safety Committee to move with speed and streamline safety operations by cane tractors to enhance the safety of motorists and pedestrians,” he said.
Lusaka reiterated the need for cane tractors to adhere to transport regulations.
His sentiments come hot on the heels of an order by Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to sugarcane tractors to adhere to operating hours from 6 am to 6 pm to minimise road carnage.
Murkomen said failure to observe operating hours has contributed to increased road accidents involving cane tractors in sugarcane growing areas.
“The ministry has scheduled sensitisation activities on sugarcane transporters and farmers beginning in March of 2024,” Murkomen told Senators on March 20, 2024.
He said sugarcane transporters will be enlightened on proper and secure cane loading on tractor trailers to minimise obstruction, ensure visibility and prevent spillage on carriageways.
He further said the ministry will be enforcing operating hours for cane collection points from 6 am to 6 pm.
He was responding to a question by Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda who wanted the ministry to provide comprehensive data and records on road accidents involving tractors transporting sugarcane from farms to factories in sugarcane-growing areas in Kisumu since 2017.
Ojienda further wanted the ministry to state how many of the accidents are attributable to unroadworthy tractors and the incompetency of drivers.
“What is the government doing to strengthen and streamline regular monitoring and enforcement of licensing of tractor drivers, as well as inspection of tractors,” Ojienda asked.
Murkomen noted that following a meeting of the Kisumu County Transport and Safety Committee held on July 5, 2023, it was noted that most accidents involving cane trucks were due to various reasons.
He said poor visibility of cane trucks, as most lack chevrons and proper lighting equipment was one of the major reasons.
