Nairobi, Kenya – A series of devastating road accidents across Kenyan highways have intensified public demands for accountability and reform within the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA). The most recent incidents include a horrific crash involving a Climax bus on the Kisumu-Kericho road at Awasi, where multiple casualties were reported, and another fatal accident on the Nairobi-Mombasa road where KEPSHA chairman Johnson Nzioka tragically lost his life.
In the Awasi incident, injured victims were immediately transported to Awasi Mission Hospital and Ahero Sub-County Hospital, though exact casualty figures remain undisclosed. The same morning, a Dreamline bus was involved in yet another accident, escalating concerns over the safety of public transport vehicles operated by this company.
These accidents have not only caused widespread grief but have also sparked significant public outrage. The Lobby for Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association (Loddca) has been vocal in their criticism of NTSA, accusing the authority of failing in its duty to enforce road safety regulations. Loddca has demanded the disbandment of NTSA’s current management, specifically calling for the ousting of Director-General George Njao, whom they claim has exceeded his tenure.
Loddca has highlighted the gross negligence in implementing the NTSA Act.
The accidents have brought to light issues such as unroadworthy vehicles, poor enforcement of traffic laws, and reckless driving, particularly on major routes like the Nairobi-Nakuru highway, Mombasa Road, and Thika Superhighway. Loddca insists that promises are not enough, calling for immediate, decisive action rather than mere reviews.
As public pressure mounts, NTSA has yet to issue an official response to these criticisms. The demand from citizens for safer roads and stricter enforcement is louder than ever, with many Kenyans mourning the preventable loss of life and demanding that those responsible for road safety be held accountable.
The community waits in suspense for NTSA’s next move, hoping for actions that will restore confidence in the authority’s ability to manage and mitigate road risks effectively.
