The Kenyan government said Tuesday it will speed up construction of roadside stations for long distance transporters for safety reasons.
Deputy President William Ruto said the government would always support efforts aimed at transforming the lives of its people by engaging in businesses that create jobs.
“We will speed up the construction of roadside stations for long distance transporters for safety reasons,” he said during the official opening of Roadside Stations Investor Conference.
Ruto said the roadside stations will provide secure parking yards for transit vehicles as well as rest facilities, restaurants, health facilities and petrol stations among others.
He said local communities would be able to market their products in the stations, adding that the well-known roadside stations in the country include Sultan Hamud, Mlolongo and Salgaa.
Ruto said the investors will construct roadside stations emulating the standards of those in developed countries. He said the proposed health wellness facilities at the rest stops will address issues fatigue and road safety challenges. “If we are to develop a sustainable and efficient logistics chain, then Road Side Stations and Wellness Centers must be part and parcel of the Transport Infrastructure Investment. This is the case in developed economies all over the world,”he said.
Ruto said the government is committed to working with the private sector in developing and operating these facilities along main transport corridors and highways. “The Road Side Stations will also double up as business centers for the local communities who will take every commercial advantage possible in and around these units. In this way we empower our people economically and provide employment,” he said.
Transport acting Cabinet Secretary James Macharia said the concept of roadside stations is aimed at creating designated rest stop points for all travelling communities, including truckers, traders and long distance transporters.
Macharia said once established, the rest stops will also be used as marketing centers for local communities along the highways to sell their produce and engage in art crafts.
