More than 60 per cent of road accidents witnessed in Murang’a County in the last year were caused by boda boda riders, Murang’a North Base Commander Mr. Polycarp Lyatema has revealed.
While addressing the crew of a local matatu Sacco Mt Kenya Matatu Association on Thursday, Lyatema pointed out the riders’ ignorance of traffic rule as a major cause of accidents.
He observed that a big number of the boda boda riders have not undergone any training, a reason why they failed to adhere to road rules and regulations.
The traffic officer further noted that the boda boda operators have been operating in disregard of traffic rules especially when joining the major roads from the feeder roads.
“It’s unfortunate that some accidents which result in fatalities are caused by carelessness. In Murang’a we have lost many boda boda riders who are hit while joining main roads. They rarely take time to check if there is an oncoming vehicle,” stated Lyatema.
Lyatema noted that the traffic department has been training members of boda boda Saccos on road safety in a bid to ensure that the riders observe traffic rules thus reducing road carnage.
During the meeting which was held at St. Mary’s catholic hall in Murang’a town, the matatu drivers complained of reluctance by police officers in preventing unauthorized vehicles from ferrying passengers.
The matatu drivers claimed that during school opening and closing dates, private vehicles which are not permitted by National Traffic and Safety Authority (NTSA) are used to ferry students to various destinations.
In response, the base commander promised to liaise with local secondary school principals to ensure that the learners would only board vehicles registered to Murang’a-based PSV SACCOs.
A member of the Mt Kenya Matatu Association Francis Manyeki called on the traffic police to tighten inspection of the vehicles to ensure only road worthy were allowed to operate.
Manyeki further underscored the need for regular safety workshops for PSV crews saying it was necessary to equip drivers and touts with knowledge on how to deal with passengers.
By Bernard Munyao
