The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has partnered with the Kisii county government to sensitize the public on road safety and advocate for safer streets.
The event is in line with the 8th UN Global Road Safety Week whose campaign calls for “Safe Streets for Walking and Cycling.”
Speaking during the launch at Gusii stadium in Kisii town, NTSA South Nyanza Regional Manager Adan Adow said they were raising awareness on road users, particularly the most vulnerable users.
“This year, we are focusing on the interest of pedestrians who walk on foot, ride bicycles and motorcycles because out of the 4748 Kenyans who lost their lives on the road last year, nearly 70 percent were vulnerable road users,” noted Adow.
Kisii County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Infrastructure Dr. Margaret Obaga called on businessmen and women to avoid occupying road reserves to set up business structures.
“You are endangering your own lives and the lives of those walking there as well as putting motorists at risk,” said Dr. Obaga.
On his part, Kisii Central Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Joseph Mwangi noted there are bus stages being set up randomly without considering the safety measures and regulations.
Mr. Mwangi urged the relevant stakeholders including NTSA and the county government to ensure the illegal stages are demolished.
“I am urging those responsible for setting up the unlawful stages within the county to remove them in advance before we get there to avoid conflict, failure to which we will clear all those unauthorized stages,” he said.
In addition, the DCC called for the removal of the bus stage around Kisii Main Prison saying it is a protected area and such businesses are prohibited from being operated around the area.
Kisii County matatu operators’ Chairperson Samson Okong’o urged the matatu operators to follow the set guidelines to prevent accidents and loss of lives.
Okong’o, who is a member of the county’s Road Safety Committee that oversees the safety of operators in their workplaces, emphasized the importance of road safety adding that any form of recklessness can cause many tragedies.
By Wesonga Dancan and Faith Mutua
