•Strategic Collaboration to Enhance Road Safety and Public Transport
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has intensified its efforts to curb road carnage by forging a stronger partnership with county governments.
This strategic collaboration aims to reduce the rising number of road fatalities across the country by implementing localized safety measures tailored to specific regions.
NTSA Director General George Njau announced that the initiative will involve the establishment of County Transport and Safety Committees, which will oversee road safety improvements and public transport management within county jurisdictions.
These committees will play a crucial role in implementing safety policies, improving road infrastructure, and enhancing public awareness to address the increasing number of road accidents.
Targeting High-Risk Regions Along the Northern Corridor
Speaking during a meeting in Naivasha attended by representatives from seven counties—Nakuru, Kakamega, Kericho, Kisumu, Makueni, Nairobi, and Siaya—Njau highlighted the significance of these regions in the fight against road accidents.
These counties, which lie along the Northern Corridor, a key transport route from Mombasa through Nairobi to the Malaba border, have historically recorded high accident rates due to heavy traffic flow and inadequate safety measures.
“The Northern Corridor is a critical artery for trade and movement, but it has also been a hotspot for road accidents. By working closely with counties along this corridor, we aim to implement targeted interventions that will make our roads safer for all users,” Njau stated.
Key Areas of Focus: Infrastructure and Public Awareness
Njau emphasized that county governments will be instrumental in enhancing road safety by:
- Improving road networks to ensure better accessibility and safer transport conditions.
- Upgrading pedestrian walkways to safeguard the lives of pedestrians, who are among the most vulnerable road users.
- Enhancing motorized services to streamline public transport and reduce congestion-related accidents.
- Ensuring proper road markings and adequate signage to improve visibility and traffic management.
The NTSA Director General underscored that this initiative is not about penalizing traffic offenders but rather about proactive engagement, education, and infrastructural improvements that will help mitigate the root causes of accidents.
Safeguarding Vulnerable Road Users
The NTSA has identified pedestrians and boda boda (motorcycle taxi) operators as the most vulnerable groups on the roads.
Njau urged county governments to prioritize measures that will protect these groups, including expanding and maintaining pedestrian walkways, installing clear road markings, and erecting adequate road signs.
“Counties must take the lead in ensuring that pedestrian infrastructure is safe and accessible. Addressing these concerns will significantly reduce fatalities, particularly for those who rely on walking or motorcycles as their primary means of transport,” he added.
A Long-Term Commitment to Road Safety
As part of the broader initiative, NTSA is advocating for the integration of road safety measures into County Development Plans to ensure sustainability and long-term impact.
Through structured engagements and continuous collaboration, the agency aims to embed road safety within county governance structures, making it a core pillar of urban planning and development.
“This initiative underscores NTSA’s commitment to fostering robust partnerships with county administrations to tackle the multifaceted factors contributing to road user and pedestrian fatalities,” Njau affirmed.
By adopting a multi-sectoral approach that includes infrastructure development, awareness campaigns, and enforcement of safety regulations, NTSA and county governments hope to reverse the alarming trend of road accidents and create safer transport systems for all Kenyans.
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