Motorcycles have been cited as leading causes of accidents.
Recent statistics from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA)
revealed that close to 400 people were killed in motorcycle accidents between
January and August this year. This is an increase of more than 60 per cent of
accidents recorded five years ago.
Motorcyclists contribute 20 per cent of all the deaths
recorded in Kenya every year. These are worrying statistics that call for
urgent action.
NTSA officials must go beyond cancelling the licences of
matatu saccos and patrolling he roads, and take measures that will actually
bring down the number of accidents. Even though it is the mandate of NTSA to
ensure safety on our roads, they do not seem to be achieving this goal.
The riders lack basic skills due to poor training. The
authority should ensure that training is up to required standards and stern
action taken is against those who flout traffic rules. Perhaps this should
include cancelling their licences for several years as a way of instilling
discipline in the public transport sector.
NTSA should also crack down on riders who harass other road
users whenever they cause accidents.