By Christine Ngitori
Various leaders have called for urgent action over increased road accidents in Kenya.
Led by Engineer Francis Kimata, the Regional Director for the Kenya National Highways Authority (KenHA), they have underscored the profound impact of road accidents.
Kimata was speaking during a recent commemoration of victims of road traffic incidents at Muthambi DCC Grounds.
He stressed that these tragedies are not just statistics; they represent real lives lost, which matter deeply to all stakeholders involved.
In his speech, Kimata paid tribute to the dedication of emergency responders, police officers, and medical personnel who confront traumatic situations daily in their line of duty.
He reaffirmed KenHA’s commitment to addressing road safety concerns comprehensively, advocating for a collective effort from all individuals to mitigate the scourge of road accidents.
County Commissioner Gitonga echoed this sentiment and urged the public to adhere to traffic regulations.
Gitonga highlighted that true patriotism goes beyond tax compliance; it also involves following traffic laws, holding valid driving licenses, and understanding proper passenger pickup and parking procedures.
He warned against the dangers of reckless behavior, specifically emphasizing the consequences of drunk driving and assured that offenders would face strict penalties, irrespective of any personal connections.
Patrick Obura, a board member of NACADA, stressed the critical need to combat drug abuse and intoxication, which he identified as significant contributors to road accidents. He urged drivers to refrain from these harmful behaviors to ensure the safety of their passengers.
MP Kareke Maara addressed the gathering by lamenting the many factors leading to road accidents, particularly poor driving practices. He criticized political promises concerning the redesign of the Nithi Bridge, noting the lack of progress on this vital infrastructure project.
Kareke admonished politicians for exploiting public safety issues for personal gain and called for the dual carriageway from Makutano Junction to be extended eastward.
Furthermore, he questioned the National Transport and Safety Authority’s (NTSA) oversight of high-speed vehicles, such as those used for transporting miraa and muguka, and advocated for the establishment of NTSA offices in Tharaka Nithi to enhance accessibility for the public.
Deputy Speaker Kathuri Murungi acknowledged the alarming rate of road accidents and criticized the insufficient enforcement of road safety policies. He called on all stakeholders to actively participate in improving road safety and suggested that if NTSA officials are failing in their duties, it may be necessary to replace them with more qualified individuals. He also voiced his hope for the redesign of the Nithi Bridge and urged national budget allocations for its repair.
The ceremony culminated with leaders lighting candles in remembrance of those who have lost their lives in road accidents, reflecting the community’s commitment to honoring their memory and advocating for safer roads.
