The Matatu Owners Association (MOA) is advocating for a comprehensive monthly National Road Safety Campaign to tackle the prevalent road accidents plaguing the nation. Albert Karagacha, the President of MOA, stressed the need for a collaborative effort involving various stakeholders such as the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and organizations like the Kenya Red Cross Society.
Karagacha emphasized the importance of a multifaceted approach to the campaign, focusing on education for drivers through road clinics. These efforts aim to decrease the frequency of matatu crackdowns and traffic-related court cases, which have significantly impacted their businesses. He expressed MOA’s readiness to engage with state agencies to prioritize road safety.
Addressing attendees at a Road Safety Campaign held at the Kisumu Bus Terminus, Karagacha disclosed that similar initiatives had been conducted in Meru, Nyeri, and Nairobi, with plans for upcoming campaigns in Kakamega, Bungoma, Kitale, and nationwide.
The matatu industry leader urged drivers to refrain from dangerous behaviors such as drunk driving, speeding, and overloading vehicles, stressing the importance of adhering to traffic regulations to protect passengers’ lives.
To ensure efficient operations, Karagacha appealed to traffic police to focus on registered Matatu Saccos rather than individual vehicle owners or drivers when addressing traffic violations.
Allan Mwangi, Nyanza Regional Traffic Officer, cautioned motorists against speeding and emphasized the importance of vehicle compliance with road regulations.
Echoing similar sentiments, Edwin Binale, an NTSA Vehicle Inspection Officer, highlighted the purpose of vehicle inspections to ensure roadworthiness and driver competency, emphasizing passenger safety.
Binale also called on matatu owners to install speed governors to mitigate the risk of accidents and protect passengers.
A notable aspect of the event was the voluntary inspection of approximately 200 PSV vehicles by NTSA, aiming to ensure vehicle safety and raise awareness about the significance of regular maintenance in accident prevention.
Karagacha presented a 14-seater van valued at Sh 3.5 million as a donation to MOA-Kisumu from GB Auto, with plans to donate three more vehicles in collaboration with Kenya Commercial Bank in the following month.
Charles Obuya, MOA Kisumu Region Chairman, expressed gratitude to NTSA, Traffic Police, and the Kenya Red Cross for their contributions to the successful road safety campaign.
Shem Ochuodho, Chairman of the Kisumu Bus Terminus, highlighted efforts to improve matatu operations and emphasized the importance of unity among operators to foster positive change in the sector.
In conclusion, Karagacha stressed the need for collaboration and unity among matatu operators, transcending tribal divisions, to promote road safety and improve the industry’s image.
