Matatu operators along the Kakamega-Kisumu route have urged authorities to enhance road safety measures. The accident, which occurred on Wednesday evening at the Iguhu Bridge along the Chavakali-Kisumu highway, has sparked calls for action from both the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and traffic officers stationed along major highways in Kenya.
According to the police report, the accident took place when a Mercedes Benz tanker, registration number KAS 537W/ZC6451, lost control after hitting a bump along the Kisumu-Kakamega highway. The tanker veered off the road and crashed into two Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) that were traveling towards Chavakali, resulting in a grisly crash that left 10 people dead and many others injured. The authorities have since confirmed the tragic loss of life and are working to provide assistance to the victims’ families.
In light of this horrific incident, Andrew Mwangi, the director of Narokline Services Limited, a matatu company operating along the Kakamega-Kisumu route, has called on the government and relevant authorities to take immediate steps to prevent such accidents in the future. Speaking to journalists at his office, Mwangi expressed his condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in the crash and emphasized the urgent need for enhanced vigilance on the roads.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives in this accident, and our thoughts are with the families who are grieving,” Mwangi said. “However, this tragedy highlights the need for increased vigilance along our highways. We urge the NTSA and traffic officers to conduct more stringent operations aimed at reducing road accidents.”
Mwangi emphasized that while road accidents are a common occurrence in Kenya, there are several measures that can be implemented to mitigate their frequency. Routine vehicle inspections, especially for PSVs, could go a long way in ensuring that vehicles on the road are roadworthy and comply with safety standards. Additionally, he called for more frequent traffic monitoring along accident-prone areas to ensure that drivers adhere to traffic rules and regulations.
The call for greater vigilance is not only coming from the PSV operators but also from the wider public, who have expressed concern over the increasing number of road fatalities in recent months. The government, through NTSA and the police, has been working on improving road safety, but the tragic incident at Iguhu Bridge has raised questions about the effectiveness of these measures.
Statistics from the NTSA show a worrying rise in traffic accidents across the country, particularly along major highways. In many cases, factors such as speeding, poor vehicle maintenance, and disregard for traffic laws are the primary causes of these accidents. The authorities have been under pressure to address these issues and implement more comprehensive measures to curb the number of fatalities.
While the incident at Iguhu Bridge is still under investigation, the call for increased road safety has gained momentum. Mwangi and other matatu operators are advocating for regular inspection of vehicles, especially during peak travel seasons, to ensure that all PSVs are in good working condition. This, they believe, would help reduce the likelihood of accidents caused by mechanical failures.
Moreover, Mwangi has urged the government to ensure that traffic officers are stationed at critical points along highways to monitor speed limits and enforce traffic regulations. “The presence of traffic officers on the roads is crucial in preventing accidents caused by reckless driving,” he noted.
As the investigation continues, there is hope that the government will respond swiftly to these calls for greater safety measures on the roads. The ultimate goal is to reduce the number of fatalities and ensure that families are not subjected to the heartbreak of losing loved ones in preventable accidents.
