Road Safety Agency Calls for Action as Road Accidents Increase in Kenya

• In this just-ending week, several grisly road accidents have led to the devastating loss of lives and property
• The separate incidents reported from various counties have seen many people die and others left with horrible injuries
• TUKO.co.ke spoke to a road safety activist who called for a complete overhaul of the transport sector which he said is on its knees

There has been an increase in road accidents in the past few weeks, particularly in the just-ending week, which saw many Kenyans lose their lives.

On the evening of Saturday, October 8, more than 10 people died after a ‘party bus’ that was heading to Samburu hit a 14-seater matatu in Meru and led to a devastating loss of life and property.

A survivor who was in the party bus said they were heading to camping in Samburu before their journey was cut short in the grisly road carnage.

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Details of how the accident happened pointed to a possible lack of caution as the travellers were partying and drinking in the vehicle shortly before the accident.

The now ill-fated bus was reportedly overtaking another vehicle while descending a steep section of the road, Subuiga blackspot when it collided head-on with a Menany Sacco matatu.

Just two days later, another accident, on the evening of Monday, October 3, in Kenol Murang’a also left a woman dead while her child and house girl escaped death narrowly.

A day later, an accident was also reported near Chebilat shopping centre, Bomet involving Ena Coach bus and a personal car. One fatality was also reported.

This rise of road carnages has alarmed many Kenyans who are worried about their safety on the road.

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Overhaul of transport sector

Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, the director and founder of Sikika Road Safety, an organisation that champions safety on Kenyan roads, agreed that accidents have been on an appalling rise in the past few weeks.

Daniel Kiilu said a reluctance in the enforcement of traffic rules has led to this growing menace which he noted is yet to reach its peak as the festive season is around the corner.

“This comes down to one factor: the transport sector authorities. The traffic department needs an actual overhaul as it is rotten to the core,” he told this writer.

The Sikika director said with traffic officers focusing on bribes instead of enforcing traffic rules, more road users are infringing traffic rules leading to the present calamity.

“I would advise the incoming Transport CS Murkomen to makes changes in the industry. The transport sector needs a total overhaul,” he said.

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The director also advised Kenyans using Public Service Vehicles to speak up whenever they note carelessness and overspeeding on the driver’s part.

“They need to speak up or hand him over to the police if their lives are in danger. We are also advising drivers to work on their speed and protect the lives of Kenyans,” he added.

Sikika Road Safety advises Kenyan male drivers

In a separate story, TUKO.co.ke also reported when Sikika Road Safety warned Kenyan drivers, especially men, to be cautious on the road and avoid being distracted while driving.

The road safety agency particularly warned male motorists against touching their girlfriends or having them in compromising positions while driving.

It said having, for instance, a lover’s legs on the driver’s thighs while driving will make them think of intimacy and lose focus on the road.

Source: TUKO.co.ke