In the wake of a crackdown on road safety in the country, the Kenya Roads Board has now launched a safety campaign following the rise of road accidents across the country. A recent survey conducted by the Board has now revealed that 40% of accidents on Kenyan roads involve pedestrians being injured or killed by overtaking or speeding motorists.
Don’t you just hate it when someone overtakes you and then swerves right in front of you or inconveniences the motorist on the oncoming lane ? What is the hurry for?
Speaking at a safety awareness training yesterday, the Kenya Roads Board Executive Director, Jacob Ruwa announced that the board will traverse the country to sensitize citizens on the importance of road safety.
According to Ruwa, many deaths are caused by people who use their mobile phones while driving or crossing roads.
“There are some road users who do not care about their lives so they use mobile phones while driving, walking or crossing the road and this has led to many people – both motorists and pedestrians – losing their lives,” he said.
At the training, Boda boda riders were also educated on how to ride safely and were given free helmets and reflective vests to ensure their safety. Cabinet Secretary for Interior Dr. Fred Matiang’i has in the recent past promised Kenyans that the government will be ruthless in their measures to restore sanity back to the Kenyan roads.
Deputy County Commissioner, Beverly Opwora confirmed CS Matiangi’s threats saying that the government is serious about road safety.
“We have lost so many lives on our Kenyan roads and we do not want to lose more. As we approach festivities, I know this is the time that we experience many deaths on the road, but I am sure if we follow the rules, we will ensure safety,” she said.
“We want to have a clean record on our roads. The government has raised concerns over deaths on the road and we need to support it to ensure all users are safe at all times,” he said.
With the Christmas holiday around the corner, Kenyans are looking forward to travel upcountry to be with their families or even to other holiday destinations around the country. Do you think the enforcement of Michuki rules will see a reduction in the number of road accidents witnessed during the Christmas season?