Calls for State to disband NTSA over rise in road carnage

According to statistics from National Police Service, has recorded 15,924 road accidents from January 1, to September 26 2022. [File Standard]

Matatu owners want the government to disband the National Transport and Safety Authority's board.

The operators say this is one way that will allow experienced members to be absorbed in the board to help curb road accidents.

The proposal emerged during the launch of a road safety campaign courtesy of the Matatu Owners Association and other stakeholders among them police and the Ministry of Transport in Nairobi's Green Park Terminus.

"The NTSA board should be disbanded because the number of road accidents have been rising yet they have not shown any signs of taking action," said Road Safety Association chairman David Kiarie.

He proposed board members be picked among stakeholders in the matatu industry and among individuals conversant with road safety.

"For five years we have been increasing the numbers, from next year the stakeholders will interrogate who people are given positions even if it means going to court, you cannot be a cattle dip chairman if you don't have cows," the chairman added.

Matatu Owners Association CEO Patricia Mutheu said, according to statistics from National Police Service, has recorded 15,924 road accidents from January 1, to September 26 this year.

From the accidents, 3,041 people lost their lives, 7,000 seriously injured and 5,000 slightly injured.

For this reason she said the aim of the campaign is to encourage all motorists to drive carefully.

"Our campaign message is slow down, Fika Salama and enjoy your holiday. The campaign will run until next year when we will do another one for the back to school period," Mutheu noted.

NTSA head of licensing Cosmas Ngeso commended the Matatu Owners Association for the campaign and pledged support.

"As regulators, we appeal to the vehicle owners and road users during this festive season, let us be careful and observe the laws, we commit not only to support MOA but other industry players," Ngeso noted.