Transport Cabinet Secretary(CS) Kipchumba Murkomen has directed that all school buses and Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) be fitted with dashboard cameras to help curb road accidents.

Speaking during a prayer service for the victims of the Londiani accident that claimed more than 50 lives, the CS stated that the cameras and vehicle telematics systems will be seamlessly integrated with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) database.

“Dashboard cameras, also known as vehicle black boxes or event data recorders, will be installed in PSVs to capture real-time video footage of the road and the interior of the vehicles. These cameras will provide crucial visual evidence in accidents, disputes, or any other incidents during a journey. By documenting these incidents, the dashboard cameras will aid in determining liability and promoting fair and accurate resolution.”

He noted that implementing dashboard cameras and vehicle telematics in PSVs marks a significant step towards enhancing safety, accountability, and efficiency within the public transportation sector.

Furthermore, he stated that integrating vehicle telematics systems with the NTSA database will enable real-time monitoring and analysis of PSV operations.

“Telematics technology combines telecommunications and informatics, allowing for the exchange of data between vehicles and remote systems. This integration will facilitate the collection of various metrics, including vehicle speed, location, fuel consumption, and driver behavior,” he said.

He observed that NTSA will have access to valuable insights that can be utilized for various purposes.

Further, he also stated that interlinking the dashboard cameras and vehicle telematics systems with the NTSA database will create a comprehensive data collection, analysis, and reporting ecosystem.