Police raise alarm over high rate of accidents in Nakuru

At least 56 people have been killed and scores injured in road accidents in separate incidents within Nakuru since December 1, last year.   

County Police Commander Peter Mwanzo while revealing the statistics noted that pedestrians and bodaboda operators were the highest fatalities.  

While calling on motorists to exercise caution while on the road, Mwanzo said observation of traffic rules was key to avoiding accidents. 

“Since December 2022 to yesterday, Nakuru has had a total of 128 accidents, with 47 of them being fatal, claiming 56 lives in the process,” said Mwanzo. 

Human error

He said 123 survivors were still admitted in hospital with serious injuries with 23 being marked as serious cases, with all of the cases being human error. 

“Careless driving, and drink driving have been a major contributor to major accidents within the county, we need to correct this,” said Mwanzo. 

He revealed cautioned against careless driving pointing out that officers go through a lot of trauma in scenes of accidents. 

Mwanzo added that he will not hesitate to seek deregistration of saccos whose drivers will be found drink driving and careless driving, threatening lives of passengers. 

“We are working on measures to curb this menace, we will start installing numbers of sub county police commanders in your vehicles so that passengers can report incidents,” he added. 

The police boss ther added that his officers will ensure all guidelines including wearing of proper uniforms and badges for matatu crews are adhered.  

“With this, we will be able to differentiate between criminals and genuine matatu operators. No officer should release any person without uniform, the due process of the law must be followed,” he said. 

Transport sector

On his part, Central Rift Matatu Owners Association chairman Stephen Muli, while pledging to adhere with the strict guidelines noted that the move would increase efficiency in the transport sector. 

He implored drivers to observe traffic rules and be on the right books with the security agencies as ways to reduce road carnages in the county. 

“Our officers are doing a great job keeping us safe and ensuring our businesses thrive. As stakeholders, we need to support them in their work,” said Muli. 

On numerous occasions, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has revealed that human error has contributed to 80 percent of accidents on roads in Kenya.