Kisii: The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has joined forces with the Kisii county government in a concerted effort to raise public awareness on road safety and promote the advocacy for safer streets. This initiative is part of the 8th UN Global Road Safety Week, which is campaigning for ‘Safe Streets for Walking and Cycling.’
According to Kenya News Agency, the launch event took place at Gusii Stadium in Kisii town, where NTSA South Nyanza Regional Manager Adan Adow emphasized the importance of focusing on the most vulnerable road users. “This year, we are focusing on the interest of pedestrians who walk on foot, ride bicycles, and motorcycles because out of the 4,748 Kenyans who lost their lives on the road last year, nearly 70 percent were vulnerable road users,” Adow stated.
Kisii County Executive Committee Member for Infrastructure, Dr. Margaret Obaga, urged local business operators to refrain from occupying road reserves for setting up commercial structures. She warned, “You are endangering your own lives and the lives of those walking there as well as putting motorists at risk.”
Joseph Mwangi, Kisii Central Deputy County Commissioner, highlighted the unauthorized establishment of bus stages without adhering to safety regulations. He called upon NTSA and the county government to dismantle these illegal stages. “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,” Mwangi declared.
Additionally, the DCC stressed the need to remove the bus stage near Kisii Main Prison, citing it as a protected area where commercial activities are prohibited.
Samson Okong’o, the Chairperson of Kisii County Matatu Operators, encouraged matatu operators to adhere to the established guidelines to prevent accidents and loss of lives. As a member of the county’s Road Safety Committee, Okong’o underscored the significance of road safety, warning that any form of recklessness could lead to severe consequences.