The National Transport and Safety Authority has unveiled a driver-centred training programme focused on mentoring and counselling tuk-tuk drivers in Kiambu County.
The programme, dubbed Usalama Barabarani Education and Awareness, aims at reducing road accidents caused by tuk-tuk drivers by involving them in targeted engagements that focus on behaviour and attitude change.
The agency said that it intends to pay full attention to the fact that most accidents that happened recently in the area were caused by negligence on the part of the drivers, hence the need for a robust awareness and mentorship programme.
Samuel Musumba, the NTSA Road Safety and Strategies Manager, warned the drivers against the tendency to advance the excuse of mechanical faults in vehicles after accidents had taken place, stating that the responsibility started and ended with them as the vehicle operators.
He was speaking during the launch of the programme at a church facility located on the Northern Bypass Highway.
“We have partnered with the Kenya Police and the European Union in this exercise because we noted that most accidents are caused either by ignorance on the part of the driver or other factors like mental health, family problems, fatigue, or poor engagement between the driver and his passengers. Particular attention should also be paid to the fact that the personal qualities of a driver have a strong impact on the quality and efficiency of their professional activity, and this is where the good and bad on our roads begin,” Musumba said.
The awareness campaign is aimed at improving road safety in Kiambu, Juja, Ruiru, and Thika by targeting vulnerable road users such as Tuk Tuk drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and school-going children, among others. Matters of road safety and adherence to licensed routes were emphasised, and management of PSV Saccos was advised to closely monitor their member operations to ensure maximum compliance with Traffic rules and regulations.
“Tuk Tuks are a very important mode of transport in this area, particularly in the last mile connectivity. That notwithstanding, it is important for the drivers to obey traffic rules so as to preserve their own lives and those of their passengers. Our target is to improve the quality of their driving and reduce accidents caused by human behaviour, and this will be facilitated by all the relevant agencies,” said Musumba.
Road safety materials such as reflective vests and jackets, lollipop stop signs, and reflective Tuk Tuk vehicle covers were distributed.
The Usalama Barabarani initiative is supported by the European Union through a three year grant to implement policies related to road safety and ensure the provision of safe, reliable, and efficient road transport services. The programme will bring on board PSV Saccos, all certified driving schools, relevant government agencies, and county governments.
This comes a few months after the agency announced statistics showing that the number of reported fatalities from road accidents between January and May 2023 decreased by 34 compared to the same period last year.
In the report, a total of 1,679 deaths were recorded between January 1 and May 18, compared to 1,756 recorded within the same period in 2022. A total of 571 pedestrians have died so far, followed by 449 motorcyclists and 323 car occupants. In the same period, 149 drivers lost their lives, compared to 151 passengers and 36 cyclists.
The authority will also focus on campaigning for road safety for pedestrians and cyclists, who have recently been reported to have been knocked down by rogue drivers.
By Hellen Lunalo
