PSV owners must join fight on road c*****e
On Tuesday last week, Kenya recorded eight deaths within 24 hours in various parts of the country. Their demise came at a time when eyebrows are being raised over the high rate at which accidents are consuming lives and crippling others on our roads.
In the first four weeks of this year, 349 Kenyans had died through road accidents, according to figures released on January 26 by the National Traffic Commandant Mary Omari. Those statistics have since risen more than twofold. That is a very dangerous trend that demands a call to action.
At the moment, the police officers tasked with enforcement of traffic rules on our roads are trying their best. Last week alone, 1,700 vehicles whose drivers were found flouting traffic rules were impounded. That is a step in the right direction, with a hope that the police officers from within their own ranks who seek bribes from errant owners and drivers of Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) will equally be reined in.
It is easy - and quite reasonable - to point accusing fingers in the direction of State officers and institutions, especially the National Police Service (NPS) and the National Transport Safety Agency (NTSA) whenever a road accident of whatever magnitude occurs and lives are lost. Deservedly so because they are the ones whose docket the maintenance of law and order on our roads are vested.
Each year, thousands of Kenyans lose lives through road accidents mainly due to avoidable reasons that range from unqualified drivers and speeding to drunkenness and unroadworthy vehicles. It is, however, noticeable that leading PSV operators - mostly the Matatu Welfare Association (MWA), the Matatu Owners Association (MOA) and the various saccos have not taken any serious steps to help get rid of the mess in the industry.
Apart from the outright breach of traffic rules, notoriously untidy PSV drivers and touts engage in a number of other uncouth activities. This rogue behaviour would not be rampant if PSV operators in the country resolved to end the menace. They actually abet these primitive conducts. MWA, MOA and Saccos are doing a great disservice to this country as they are the largest contributor to the mayhem that repeatedly engulfs our roads.
The mess bedevilling our roads today would not have reached the alarming proportions had MWA, MOA and Saccos taken upon themselves to impart discipline in the business. It is time they did that.
