The Embu County-based matatu operator firm, Neno Sacco, has embarked on a mental health training session for drivers to promote road safety in a bid to reduce road accidents in the public transport sector.
The two-day training held in Embu Town saw 500 drivers trained in a joint partnership with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and the Traffic Police Department.
Sacco Chairman Joseph Nyaga said there was a direct correlation between a driver’s mental well-being and road safety, with factors such as anxiety, stress, and depression being linked to unsafe driving behaviors and accidents.
An analysis from NTSA has revealed that some drivers do not recall moments preceding accidents, pointing towards underlying problems that drivers fail to disclose or seek professional assistance for.
“It is for this reason that we have found it fit not only to train our drivers on road safety but also on mental health to improve road safety by enhancing their concentration and decision-making,” he said.
Nyaga added that the training will help manage their mental health issues, as well as foster a good working relationship with colleagues and their customers.
“We want to make our contribution in reducing road accidents in the country by carrying out a comprehensive and effective driver training programs,” he reported.
Meru County Traffic Officer Tony Nyongesa stressed the importance of drivers observing traffic rules in reducing road carnage.
“We have sensitized the drivers on the need to observe traffic rules and also respect other road users to make our roads safe,” he said, while hailing Sacco for the move and calling on others to follow suit.
Two drivers Munene Njoka and Martin Murithi, termed the sensitization insightful and called for regular training to enable them to reinforce those skills, which will eventually lead to improved safety for all.
By Samuel Waititu
