Boda boda deaths drop in seven months, NTSA says

A motorcycle whose owner died after being hit by a bus in Kisii. NTSA report shows boda boda fatalities have reduced in seven months. PHOTO | BENSON MOMANYI | NATION MEDIA GROUP

Boda boda crashes in the country have reduced between January and July this year compared to 2016, the National Transport Safety Authority (NTSA) has said.

Statistics from the authority show that 1, 570 people died in crashes involving motorcycles between January and July 20 this year compared to 1,730 fatalities over the same period last year.

NTSA’s Nakuru County Road Safety Strategies Coordinator Ms Josephine Gathuto termed the reduction of deaths by 160 a positive pointer that motorcycle riders are now more sensitised on traffic laws.

“The riders are getting more awareness on wearing the prescribed attire when riding, avoiding riding when drunk and observing lane discipline,” she said.

HELMETS

The report also shows a reduction in the number of deaths involving pedestrians from 653 last year to 600 in July, while bicycle riders had reduced by over 23 per cent.
Fatalities touching on motorcycle and bicycle passengers increased by one from last year’s figure of 122.

Ms Gathuto spoke during a free clinic for motorcycles held by Abson Motors in Nakuru town. Over 1,500 motorcyclists were provided with free engine oil.

The operators were also given free reflector jackets and helmets and educated on good health and sanitation by officers from the Health Ministry.

The company’s central rift region Marketing Manager Mr Swaleh Saary said apart from educating riders on traffic laws, the company had collaborated with stakeholders from health, NTSA and microfinance institutions to assist sensitise boda boda riders on road safety ss and the importance of keeping peace during elections.

Mr Saary said the eight day program dubbed ‘Abson Motors, Ambassador of peace’ enlightened the operators on the importance of leading in peace-keeping in the coming August 8 General Election.