Nakuru: The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), in collaboration with the Nakuru County Transport and Safety Committee, has initiated a comprehensive pedestrian action plan aimed at significantly reducing pedestrian-related accidents within the county.
According to Kenya News Agency, a preliminary meeting held today laid the groundwork for this critical initiative, which seeks to prioritize pedestrian safety, accessibility, and efficient movement. The pedestrian action plan will serve as a strategic framework, outlining specific measures to improve pedestrian infrastructure and safety protocols across Nakuru County.
Deputy Governor David Kones said as a crucial first step, NTSA officials would conduct thorough site visits to identify high-risk locations where pedestrian accidents were prevalent, adding that such data-driven approach would enable the development of targeted interventions. Following the site assessments, the action plan will guide the construction and implementation of essential pedestrian facilities in accident-prone areas. These facilities will include: clearly marked crosswalks, well-maintained sidewalks, footbridges and enhanced street lighting to improve visibility and safety during night.
Kones said the urgency of this initiative is underscored by alarming crash statistics from the NTSA's 2018-2024 data where Nakuru County recorded a staggering 542 crashes along the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway and 374 crashes on the Nakuru-Eldoret Highway while significant numbers of pedestrian-related incidents were also reported on other key roads. The accident-prone roads were identified as the Nakuru-Nyahururu Road, Njoro-Narok Road, Mai Mahiu-Naivasha Road, Njoro-Molo Road, Mai Mahiu-Narok Road, Molo-Olenguruone Road, Nakuru-Mirangine Road and Moi South Lake Road.
While leading the Nakuru County Transport Committee Eng. Michael Kamau expressed strong support for the initiative, emphasizing its potential to significantly enhance road safety within the county. 'This pedestrian action plan is a vital step towards creating safer roads for all residents of Nakuru County. We are committed to working closely with the NTSA and other stakeholders to ensure its successful implementation,' he stated.
The meeting witnessed participation from a diverse range of stakeholders, including representatives from the Kenya National Highways Authority (KenHA) and the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KERRA), highlighting a collaborative approach to addressing the county's road safety challenges. The collaboration of these agencies is crucial to the success of the plan. The NTSA and the Nakuru County Transport and Safety Committee will release progress updates as the action plan unfolds, added Eng. Kamau.
Despite Africa having fewer roads and cars, the continent leads in the number of road accidents in the world due to human carelessness, lenient penalties and poorly maintained and unmarked roads.