About 10,000 people have been killed in road accidents in the country between 2019 and July this year.
Government Spokesperson, Col (Rtd) Cyrus Oguna, blamed the deaths on the flouting of traffic rules, including ignoring safety measures, reckless and drunken driving.
Addressing a press conference at Mama Ngina Waterfront Park in Mombasa, Thursday, Oguna said most of the accidents have been caused by Boda boda rides, noting that according to statistics they are killing more people than motor vehicles.
“Most of the boda boda operators are not trained and openly disobey traffic rules, including carrying excess passengers (mshakaki),” said Oguna, who was accompanied by the Coast Regional Commissioner, John Elungata.
He called on the Boda Boda National Association and other stakeholders to work with the government to bring sanity to the otherwise important though chaotic industry.
The Spokesperson’s sentiments were echoed by Elungata who blamed boda boda operators for the surging cases of road accidents.
At the same time, Elungata sounded alarm over resurgence of Covid-19 positive cases in some parts of the coastal region.
The Administrator expressed concern over disregarding of Covid-19 protocols by the residents, saying this has contributed to the current spike in coronavirus infections at the region.
“It is important to comply with all health protocols as outlined by the Ministry of Health,” added the Regional Commissioner.
Elungata also assured area residents that security agencies in the region are on the alert to counter any criminal activities.
By Mohamed Hassan
