The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has partnered with seven counties along the Northern Corridor in a bid to curb the rising number of road accidents in the country.
Under the partnership with Nakuru, Kakamega, Kericho, Kisumu, Makueni, Nairobi, and Siaya counties, NTSA will support the establishment of transport and safety committees to enhance road safety and improve public transport management.
NTSA Director General George Njau emphasized that the initiative is aimed at improving residents’ lives by enhancing accessibility, servicing pedestrian walkways, and improving non-motorized transport infrastructure.
Speaking during a meeting in Naivasha with officials from the seven counties, Njau highlighted the crucial role counties play in addressing road safety challenges.
“This initiative underscores NTSA’s commitment to fostering strong partnerships with county administrations to tackle the various factors contributing to road user and pedestrian fatalities,” he said.
He added that NTSA would integrate road safety measures and interventions into County Development Plans to achieve long-term accident reduction.
Njau noted that the authority’s focus is not on penalizing traffic offenders but on proactive engagement, awareness campaigns, and the dissemination of critical information to reduce fatalities.
Pedestrians and boda boda riders remain the most vulnerable road users, he said, urging counties to improve pedestrian walkways, install clear road markings, and enhance signage to boost safety.
Nairobi County Transport CEC Ibrahim Auma welcomed the collaboration, noting that it would help address key issues contributing to road fatalities.
He added that Nairobi County is actively registering boda boda operators and their Saccos to promote discipline on the roads.
Additionally, Auma said Nairobi County is investing in the construction of safe pedestrian passageways to minimize accidents.
Kericho County Commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo expressed optimism about the initiative, noting that over 70 percent of road users are in rural areas and play a critical role in reducing fatalities.
“The National Government Administrative Officers will help craft necessary road safety messaging in languages that all road users easily understand to promote a safer and more reliable transport system,” Kitiyo stated.
According to NTSA data, over 4,000 people lost their lives in road crashes between January and December 2024, with pedestrians accounting for a significant portion -1,600 fatalities.
The partnership is expected to strengthen road safety measures and reduce accident-related deaths across the seven counties.
