Hundreds of vehicles have been impounded for flouting traffic rules along the Narok – Bomet highway in an operation mounted by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and the police to ensure road safety.
The operation dubbed ‘Okoa Maisha’ was led by Deputy Director National Disaster Management Unit Dr. Duncan Ochieng who reiterated that the exercise was meant to nab vehicles that do not comply with traffic rules.
He said vehicles lacking the right insurance cover, overloading, over speeding or were unroadworthy were seized. Drivers without valid driving licenses were also arrested.
“The operation is being carried out in all parts of the country because we want to ensure that all those using the road during this season when people are traveling for Christmas are safe,” said Ochieng.
He said they were keeping a keen eye on speed, drunk-driving, overtaking and lane discipline, which are major causes of accidents on Kenyan roads.
Narok North Sub County Police Commandant Frederick Siundu asked passengers to be vigilant when boarding a matatu vehicle, and only board those that met the basic requirements in a bid to minimize deaths on the roads.
“All matatu vehicles should adhere to the Covid-19 regulations set by the Ministry of health and should have safety belts. Those who fail to follow such simple rules risk being arrested,” he said.
Siundu promised that the police will keep vigil during this season to see vehicles using the roads adhere to traffic regulations to reduce cases of accidents.
According to the police, most accidents happen over the weekend that is Friday, Saturday and Sundays where there is heavy traffic of people from urban areas to upcountry.
According to reports, most accidents happen early in the morning between 5am and 9am and late evenings between 4pm to 11pm but the police boss confirmed that they have configured their patrols to cater for the risk hours.
Narok Traffic Commandant Ms. Jane Nyaga said the number of accidents in the area has reduced in the last one month compared to previous months.
“We have had only two fatal accidents in Narok North Sub County in the month of November where two people lost their lives. We are hoping to minimize the accidents in the month of December,” said Ms. Nyaga.
According to the data released by NTSA in the month of November, 3114 people had perished in road accidents since the year began a number that is above the last year’s data that shows 2942 people died in accidents.
By Ann Salaton
