Cane trucks on spot over accidents upsurge

Kakamega ,Kenya: The Centre for Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance (CDMHA) at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology has raised an alarm over the increased number of road accidents caused by sugar cane trucks.

The centre stated that the accidents have caused many deaths that can be attributed to a blatant disregard for traffic rules by cane transporters.

Veronica Kiluva of CDMHA has warned that cane trucks operating in most parts of  western Kenya are endangering peoples’ lives through over-loading, speeding and use of unroadworthy trucks.

“We are witnessing total impunity on our roads. Accidents caused by cane trucks are happening due to carelessness,” said Dr Kiluva.

According to the centre, narrow roads in the region have further compromised road safety and made it difficult for motorists, especially public service vehicles to operate.

“The lorries carrying cane move at a snail’s pace and to make matters worse, they lack side mirrors, indicators and headlights. This is a serious hazard and authorities must iron things out,” stated Dr Kiluva.

The centre has singled out Kakamega-Kaburengu, Kakamega-Mumias, Busia-Mumias and Webuye-Bungoma roads as some of the most notorious. “Most of these roads are Class C whose standard width ought to be 7m, but the existing width is only 6m. The fact that pedestrians use the same space is dangerous to say the least,” explained Dr Kiluva.

Western Traffic Enforcement Officer Evans Getembe has, however, indicated that a campaign has been initiated and already meetings have been held with all major sugar millers, including Mumias, Butali, West Kenya and Nzoia to end road carnage.