NAIROBI: The establishment of the National Transport and Road Safety Authority (NTSA) has led to a marked improvement in road safety measures. In turn, this has reduced the number of road accidents.
Regulating an industry that has for years operated without rules - except for a short period in 2004 when the then Transport minister, John Michuki, managed to bring a semblance of order by rigorously enforcing traffic rules - was never going to be easy for NTSA. Touts and public service drivers, the notorious of the lost were going to do anything to circumvent the law in their pursuit of profits.
The introduction of mobile courts in 2013 did not achieve much as they quickly turned into avenues of corruption. Ultimately, they had to be withdrawn following public outcry.
Since the transport sector is vital in promoting socio-economic activities and development, an efficient and effective transport system is a must for rapid and sustainable development. For this reason, stakeholders in the transport sector must harmonise their operations and support each other. In an effort to boost road safety, Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia, initiated additional safety measures that included the commissioning of 45 police patrol cars and ambulances for use by NTSA.
The introduction of ambulances is especially laudable because response to emergencies has been slow or hampered by their absence leading to loss of life. The patrol cars will go a long way in ensuring that drivers given to flouting traffic laws will tread with caution, not knowing where a patrol car would be lurking.
But most importantly, even as NTSA tutors the public on road safety measures, a key ingredient to total success is behavioural change among road users. NTSA must advocate for civility and common decency on the roads. Motorists must be made to understand that it helps everyone to be respectful and most importantly, to at all times observe the Highway Code. Pedestrians must stick to designated picking, dropping and crossing points to avoid death.
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