3,057 killed in accidents last year, transport authority says

National Transport and Safety Authority official said on March 10, 2016 that drivers who speed, overload and use faulty vehicles cause road accidents. PHOTO | PETER WARUTUMO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • He said a major crackdown had been launched against drivers who flout traffic laws.

At least 3,057 lives were lost in road accidents last year, the National Transport and Safety Authority has said.

A senior official of the NTSA, Mr Stephen Musau, said Kenyans were dying in road accidents that could be prevented.

He blamed the many deaths on the failure by drivers to observe traffic rules.

Speaking during a seminar for Kukena Transport Sacco members on Thursday in Kerugoya Town, Kirinyaga County, Mr Musau blamed drivers who speed, overload and use faulty vehicles.

“Matatus drivers, in particular, drive carelessly, causing numerous accidents,” he said.

Mr Musau warned that the authority would not watch rogue drivers continue killing Kenyans.

He said a major crackdown had been launched against drivers who flout traffic laws. “The penalties will be heavy,” he said.

The 400 drivers who attended the seminar complained that Probox cars, which they said were not licensed to carry passengers, were giving them unfair competition.