Kenya’s transport sector is crucial to the economy, connecting regions, businesses, and communities. However, challenges such as frequent motor accidents, cargo damage, and loss of lives disrupt operations and lead to financial losses. In my 11 years in the insurance industry, I have found that many accidents stem from fatigue, night driving, and poor road conditions. The good news is that Kenyan transporters can adopt simple, effective strategies to reduce these risks, ensuring smoother operations and contributing to the broader economy.
The Strategies are summarized as below:-
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Strategy |
Description |
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Limit Driving Hours: 8-Hour Shifts for Drivers |
Fatigue is a major cause of accidents. Limiting drivers to 8-hour shifts ensures they stay alert, reducing mistakes and improving focus. |
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Regular Checkpoints/Driver Rest Spots Along Major Routes |
Checkpoints at key locations like Sultan Hamud, Mtito Andei, Naivasha, Salgaa, Uasin Gishu & Malaba help monitor vehicle conditions and driver well-being, reducing fatigue or maintenance-related accidents.
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Restrict Movement in High-Risk Areas |
Limiting vehicle movement in high-risk areas during peak hours or bad weather ensures safer environments and prevents accidents. |
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Use a Driver Rating System |
A driver rating system ensures only skilled, responsible drivers are behind the wheel, raising safety standards and reducing reckless driving. |
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Limit Night-Time Driving (9 PM - 6 AM) |
Night driving increases the risk of accidents due to poor visibility and driver fatigue. Restricting this reduces these risks. |
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Defensive Driving Training: Continuous Education |
Defensive driving courses teach drivers how to anticipate and avoid hazards, improving decision-making and reducing accidents. |
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Incentivize Safe Driving |
Rewarding drivers for safe driving records encourages responsible behavior, motivating them to adopt safer practices. |
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Fleet Management: Maintain Your Vehicles |
Regular vehicle maintenance prevents breakdowns and mechanical failures, which are common causes of accidents. A fleet management system ensures timely repairs. |
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Check Drivers’ History Before Hiring |
Background checks ensure new drivers have a clean driving record, reducing the risk of hiring unsafe drivers. |
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Regular Medical Checks for Drivers |
Medical checks help ensure drivers are fit to drive, reducing accidents caused by health-related issues such as poor eyesight or high blood pressure. |
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Keep Vehicles in Roadworthy Condition |
Regularly inspect vehicles for brakes, tires, and lights to ensure roadworthiness, reducing mechanical failures and accidents. |
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Ensure the Right Insurance Coverage |
The right insurance covers accidents, injuries, and cargo loss, ensuring recovery from setbacks. Essential covers include WIBA, Fidelity Insurance, and Carriers Liability. |
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Timely Documentation: Key to Smooth Claims |
Proper documentation ensures smooth processing of insurance claims, minimizing delays and disputes, and getting transporters back to business quicker. |
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Combat Unethical Practices |
Unethical practices like overloading or operating unroadworthy vehicles increase accident risks. Upholding ethical standards reduces accidents. |
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Escort of Vehicles Along Northern Corridor Risk Areas |
Escort services can deter thieves and improve safety, particularly in high-risk areas like Mlolongo, Salgaa, and Voi. Collaboration with the Kenya Transporters Association, police, and private firms enhances this strategy. |
Impact of Collaborative Efforts by KTA, KeNHA, NTSA, the Ministry of Transport, and Other Stakeholders
The collaboration between the Kenya Transporters Association (KTA), the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), the Ministry of Transport, and other stakeholders is crucial for enhancing road security, expanding infrastructure, and improving access to key areas. These joint efforts foster a safer and more efficient transport environment, benefiting businesses, reducing congestion, and supporting economic growth.
Looking ahead, we are eager to see continued synergy and collaborative initiatives aimed at improving road networks, expanding highways, and ensuring smoother, safer access to all areas, ultimately reducing traffic jams and fostering a more productive economy.
Critical Insurance Covers Every Transporter Should Ensure They Have for Full Protection:
To safeguard against unforeseen risks, transporters should ensure they have the following critical insurance covers:
|
Insurance Cover |
Description |
|
Motor Commercial Insurance |
|
|
>General Cartage (When Contracted or Hired to Carry Goods) |
Protects vehicles and cargo against damage, theft, or accidents while transporting goods for others. |
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>Own Goods (When Carrying Own Goods) |
Covers vehicles and cargo while transporting the transporter’s own goods, ensuring protection against accidents, theft, or damage. |
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Work Injury Benefits Act (WIBA) & Employers Liability |
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>WIBA |
Compensates employees for workplace injuries or fatalities. |
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>Employer’s Liability |
Provides coverage if employees pursue legal action over WIBA compensation. |
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Carriers Liability Insurance |
Covers the transporter’s liability for damage or loss of goods in their custody, protecting them from financial responsibility for cargo losses. |
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Container Insurance |
Provides coverage for damage or loss to containers used in transporting goods, safeguarding the transporter’s assets. |
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Fidelity Guarantee Insurance |
Protects against employee theft or fraud, particularly in sectors where employees have access to goods and finances. |
Impact on the Insurance and Transport Sectors
Adopting these strategies will significantly benefit both the insurance and transport sectors. Lower accident rates lead to lower insurance premiums. Fewer accidents result in fewer claims, which translates to reduced costs for transporters, increasing their operational efficiency and productivity.
These strategies also lead to a healthier workforce, fewer injuries, and a reduction in theft and collusion. By adhering to ethical practices, transporters help ensure that the sector becomes a more profitable and safer industry. This contributes to a safer working environment and a healthier, thriving nation.
Conclusion: Protecting Your Fleet and Business
Implementing these strategies will help Kenyan transporters reduce accidents, protect cargo, and ensure smooth operations. Protection is better than cure—these steps provide safety and peace of mind. By prioritizing safety, investing in your drivers, and maintaining your vehicles, you can reduce accidents, lower costs, and ensure more reliable service.
These strategies have been proven effective. Transporters who adopt them will see fewer accidents, smoother operations, and a positive impact on the broader Kenyan economy. Prioritize safety today for a better tomorrow.
Arbanus Kimenye, Founder & CEO of Surefront Insurance Brokers Ltd., has over 19 years of experience in the insurance industry and more than 11 years of expertise in handling motor commercial claims (including accidental claims, cargo theft, employee theft/collusion, third-party liability claims, carriers liability claims, and damage to containers). Arbanus is committed to guiding transporters through insurance matters to ensure their fleets are fully protected.
At Surefront, we live by our mantra – YOUR RISK, OUR RESPONSIBILITY. Don’t hesitate to engage with us for any insurance inquiries. Contact us via WhatsApp (0724964071), email info@surefrontinsurance.com, or visit our website at www.surefrontinsurance.com.
