Kirinyaga: Kirinyaga County Commissioner, Hussein Allasow, along with a security team, the Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA), and the National Transport Safety Authority (NTSA), have taken steps to address the ongoing conflicts between miraa drivers and bodaboda riders along the Makutano-Embu Highway, which have also affected other road users.
According to Kenya News Agency, the intervention follows a recent incident where a miraa vehicle was set ablaze after causing an accident, adding to several similar occurrences in the past. The authorities held public sensitization meetings at Piai Center, Mwea East Sub-county, and Ngurubani, Mwea West, emphasizing the importance of unity among road users to curb road carnage.
Commissioner Allasow highlighted the necessity of road safety on busy highways, reminding residents that all individuals have the right to use the roads, except for those vehicles that have the right of way. He specifically referred to the instances where miraa vehicles illegally use thei
r horns to intimidate other road users.
The Commissioner further disclosed ongoing communication with his counterparts in Embu and Meru counties to ensure consistent dialogue with drivers to improve road safety across the region. He mentioned having received details of the miraa business people from these counties to facilitate continuous engagement.
Mwea East Traffic Commander, Jamila Mohammed, noted a reduction in accident cases recently, attributing it to effective dialogues with drivers who violate traffic rules. She emphasized the importance of safety gear for bodaboda riders and urged individuals not to interfere at accident scenes until police arrive to carry out investigations.
Ephantus Mwangi from KeNHA pointed out structural issues contributing to road accidents, particularly businesses encroaching on road reserves. He assured residents that efforts would be made to maintain pothole-free roads and expressed concern over scrap metal dealers purchasing vandalized road signs.
Njoroge Gathambia from
NTSA stressed the importance of discipline and adherence to traffic rules, noting that NTSA will continue its crackdown on unroadworthy vehicles and bodabodas, especially those using modified lights.
Charles Chomba, Chair of Muguka traders in Kirinyaga, underscored the necessity for road users to respect traffic regulations and advised against taking the law into their own hands in the event of an accident. He warned that such actions could disrupt legal processes and hinder justice.