The National Transport and Safety Authority and Kenyatta University have signed a memorandum of understanding to support road safety management in the country.
This will provide a platform for research, innovation and academic partnership, the use of technology in road safety and development of innovative application for road transport.
Other areas will include data analytics for road safety, training, mentorship and internship in the fields of engineering, use of robotics, deep learning on data analysis and quality assurance and project management for authority projects.
NTSA director general George Njao said through the collaboration, the authority will have access to unique technology, specialized equipment, facilities and knowledge that will enhance road safety.
The move comes at a time when the authority is in the process of implementing the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project.
“This will go a long way in supporting the technological elements of the project,” said Njao.
KU Vice Chancellor Prof Paul Wainaina said the partnership is a testimony university are solution providers to most social challenges and not just ivory tower institutions.
He said KU is keen in spearheading research and development and seeking home grown solutions to the challenges facing Kenya.
“The university has already developed a ventilator that will be used in mitigation of Covid-19 pandemic nationally.” Further, a team of innovators from various universities in the country are at KU for a month-long challenge to develop a new digital learning device to be rolled out in the education sector.
NTSA is automating its services in a move aimed at enhancing delivery. Accidents have been on the rise despite various measures put to address the same. Between January and September 30, 2020, 2,689 people were killed in accidents as compared to 2,655 who died in the same period last year.
According to NTSA and police, 971 pedestrians were killed between January and September this year as compared to 1,030 of last year in the same period while 342 passengers perished this year as compared to 537 of last year.
Some 774 motorcyclists have been killed this year so far as compared to 534 of last year in the same period while 301 pillion passengers died this year as compared to 252 of 2019. Police and NTSA announced they would introduce random drunk driving tests in all major towns. This was after it emerged drunk driving was a contributing factor in the reported accidents.
The agency’s main mandate include registering and licensing of motor vehicles, inspection and certification, regulation of public service vehicles, development and implementation of road safety strategies, public education and formulate and review the curriculum of driving schools.
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