The Matatu Owners Association (MOA), in partnership with National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and the traffic police, have conducted a road safety clinic in Machakos to sensitize Matatu owners and the crew on road safety.
Speaking during the road safety clinic at Machakos bus stage, Albert Karakacha, the president of MOA, said that the association is engaging members, drivers and stakeholders in road safety clinics to reduce the number of accidents on the roads.
Karakacha said MOA plans to conduct the road safety clinics in every county and called for support from stakeholders. “We had a meeting with the president and we agreed that within 90 days the number of accidents must go down,” he said.
The MOA boss also noted that the clinics are also meant to help stop the crackdown of matatus on the roads which also results in corruption between the involved parties.
Karakacha urged the county officials and stakeholders to form a committee that will ensure that the clinics are held every month.
He warned the drivers against drunk driving and overloading especially luggage and advised them to use courier services for the passengers’ luggage rather than carrying excess luggage on the public service vehicles.
“We must create employment through the county for courier services, there should be cars for carrying luggage,” added Karakacha.
Additionally, the Machakos Chief Executive Member (CECM), for Roads and Transport, Rita Ndunge, urged the drivers to adhere to the traffic rules and ensure all their vehicles have safety belts to reduce carnage.
Ndunge also called upon the boda boda riders to have helmets for themselves and their passengers and to observe the speed limit to ensure their safety.
By Anne Kangero
