The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and National Police Service have identified 15 accident black spots countrywide in a bid to reduce the number of road accidents during this festive season.
150 people have died since December 1 due to road accidents with the cause of the accidents being attributed to human error.
“Preliminary investigations attribute the causes of these crashes to risk factors such as speeding, lane indiscipline, reckless driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol and other substances,” read the joint press statement released on Friday December 15.
The black spots include:
)
)
)
Salgaa
Migaa
Soysambu area in Nakuru County
Bonje area in Kilifi
Manyani in Taita Taveta
LukenyaMaanzoni in Machakos
Kiima Kiu/Salama
Konza area in Makueni.
Ntulele
Duka Moja market centre in Narok
Kenol to Sagana
Kenol to Murang’a sectionsSections in Kirinyaga
Patrol teams have also been beefed up across the country with particular attention being paid to areas such as Salgaa, Sachangwan, Migaa, Soysambu area in Nakuru County and Bonje area in Kilifi.
In addition to the identification of the accident black spots, The Kenya National Highways Authority has rolled out other measures to enhance road safety.
"Short-term: Under the current Performance Based Contract, the authority is installing additional Standard humps and rumble strips including road marking and signage.
Mid-term: Tender for enhancement of Road safety along Kibunja-Salgaa section is being issued in a week’s time. The works to be carried out shall include: Construction of 3No. Emergency Runaway Truck Rump, Construction of lorry brakes temperature checking point and holding yard in Kibunja, Construction of dual carriageway at the 10Km climbing lane section, Widening of Nyanja/Kamara Bridge, Road Marking, with reflective cat-eyes and signage, Repair and installation of Guardrails.
Long-term: Dualling of Nairobi- Nakuru – Mau Summit under Public Private Partnership Contract. The procurement of the contractor (Consortium) is on-going. This will ensure that the entire road capacity and safety is improved."
Road users were also urged to take responsibility and enhance road safety by speaking out against reckless road use and adhering to road safety rules.
"Violations and complaints can be channelled to NTSA through the hotline 0718555999, National Police Service through toll-free numbers 999/911, or directly to the nearest police officer."