Road safety advocacy groups have urgently called on the government to declare the escalating road accident fatalities a national disaster, citing the alarming rise in deaths. The lobbies, led by Edward Gitonga, Chairman of the Speed Governors and Road Safety Association, pressed the newly appointed Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary, Davis Chirchir, to convene an emergency meeting of sector stakeholders to formulate long-term solutions.
Accompanied by Secretary General John Mutisya and Road Safety Association of Kenya Chairman David Kiarie, Gitonga outlined the pressing need for sweeping reforms, including a comprehensive review of the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA). Gitonga argued that poor leadership at NTSA is a significant factor contributing to the high accident rate. The lobbyists proposed thorough vetting of senior NTSA officials, alleging that many lack the necessary qualifications to handle road safety effectively.
Mutisya emphasized that coordinated efforts between the CS and road safety groups could potentially halve road fatalities within six months. He urged the government to focus on implementing practical measures to save lives.
Adding to the criticism, Kiarie demanded that NTSA officers be removed from road enforcement duties, citing incompetence, especially during the festive season. He proposed their replacement with traffic police officers and called for an immediate investigation into allegations of corruption and inefficiency at the NTSA.
The lobbies alleged widespread nepotism and favoritism within the NTSA, claiming that unqualified relatives of senior officials hold critical positions while competent professionals, such as automotive engineers, are ignored. These practices, they argued, have severely undermined road safety standards.
Social media reports by whistleblowers have further exposed alleged corruption and mismanagement within the NTSA, intensifying the public outcry for reforms. The advocacy groups urged the government to prioritize accountability and professionalism within the NTSA to address the crisis effectively.
The groups’ plea underscores the urgency of tackling road carnage, which has reached unprecedented levels, and the need for immediate action to restore public confidence in Kenya’s road safety systems.
