The prevalence rate of respiratory illnesses in the country due to pollutants are estimated to be at 90 per cent, with increased risk of infection reported among children of less than five years. These were part of the findings by a study conducted by the University of Nairobi Enterprises and Services (UNES) commissioned by Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).
The study calls for a new and more efficient vehicles to protect the environment, stimulate the automative industry and reduce vehicle abandonment.
Prof Nyang’aya James from UoN’s Mechanical Engineering department who presented the findings said treating respiratory illnesses at the Kenyatta National Hospital costs a patient approximately Sh16,800 per year, a situation that requires correction by adopting environment-friendly measures.
“A study at KNH used a model that focused on respiratory illnesses attended to at the hospital and concluded that a prevalence level greater than 90 percent exists and was reported,” UNES conducted a freebate programme, which is a market-based policy for encouraging reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from the passenger vehicles, by levying fees on relatively high emitting vehicles and providing rebates on lower emitting vehicles.
The programme is considered useful in supporting the widespread adoption of clean fuels and vehicle technologies. Freebate sought to establish whether Kenyans would support a willingness-programme that would see vehicle owners pay emission fees.
At least 45 per cent sampled said they were willing to pay while the remainder were not for the idea. At the same time, car dealers foresaw a reduction in profits if the public shifts to more fuel efficient vehicles, presumably with low engine capacities and also costing less.
The substantial growth in the number of motorcycles registered was also reported, a situation attributed to their convenience and accessibility as motorised transport. To this end, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) has been urged to ensure that future contracts as motor vehicle inspectors mandates the inspectors to capture information on fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions for vehicles coming into the country.
Kenya Revenue Authority(KRA) on the other hand, has been urged to ensure dealers comply with standards for motor vehicle labelling. Recommendations are that the Ministry of Energy should review the current draft National Energy and Petroleum Policy to include matters on vehicle fuel economy. The recommendations have called for subjection of all vehicles to regular inspection for road worthiness and emissions.
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