Road safety advocacy groups have called on the government to declare the rising cases of road accidents a national disaster, citing an urgent need for comprehensive reforms to curb the deaths.
Led by Edward Gitonga, Chairman of the Speed Governors and Road Safety Association, the lobbyists urged newly appointed Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir to convene sector stakeholders to find lasting solutions to the crisis.
Gitonga, accompanied by Secretary General John Mutisya and Road Safety Association of Kenya Chairman David Kiarie, proposed a thorough vetting of all senior officials at the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), alleging that many lack the requisite qualifications.
Mutisya argued that road fatalities could be halved within six months if the CS collaborates effectively with road safety groups.
Meanwhile, Kiarie demanded the removal of NTSA officers from road duties due to alleged incompetence during the festive season, advocating for their replacement with traffic police officers.
Kiarie also called for an immediate investigation into allegations of corruption and inefficiency at the NTSA, which he claimed have undermined road safety standards and contributed to the alarming rate of accidents.
The lobbies criticized the NTSA’s hiring practices, alleging nepotism and favouritism, with unqualified relatives of senior officials reportedly occupying key positions while qualified automotive engineers are overlooked.
Recent whistleblower reports shared on social media further expose alleged widespread corruption and mismanagement within the road safety authority, prompting calls for urgent action to restore accountability and professionalism.
