Athi River traffic commander Moses Kimeli (3rd Left) leads a road safety awareness walk on Mombasa Road in Athi River, Machakos County on Saturday.
A local NGO has conducted a 10 Kilometers safety awareness walk on Mombasa Road.
Doors of Hope programs manager Jacqueline Shibalira said the initiative was meant to sensitize road users on the need for responsible usage of the busy Nairobi – Mombasa Highway.
“Many families have lost loved ones on this road especially between Mlolongo and Makutano junction, there is no single day we have not seen accidents on the highway,” said Shibalira.
Shibalira addressed the press during the walk in Athi River, Machakos County on Saturday.
The walk dubbed, “Wajibika Komesha Ajali” was led by Athi River police boss Sharma Wario and traffic Commander Moses Kimeli.
Officials from Doors of Hope, KeNHA, NTSA, Shalom Community Hospital, Coast Bus Company Ltd, police officers, teachers, students and local residents participated.
They walked from Mlolongo to Athi River town distributing fliers with road safety messages to motorists, passengers and general members of the public.
Shibalira said many children had been killed by speeding vehicles while crossing the road at Bridge 39 and Devki on their way to school.
She said children are forced to cross the road from City Carton, Jam City and Kanaani Slums daily since there are no public schools in the slums.
Shibalira said fatalities rate was highly increasing due to the accidents as several people were getting permanent body deformities.
“We cannot just seat and watch people die on the highway, all road users must be responsible for avoiding unnecessary accidents and losing of lives,” said Shibalira.
She said the organization will be conducting such sensitization walks on a quarterly basis each year.
Shibalira said the government should put road signage, foot bridges and be serious in operations to eliminate from the road motorists who flout traffic laws.
She said parents should help their children cross the highway, “It is unfortunate that even adults get knocked down by speeding vehicles on this road. Parents must ensure the safety of their children while crossing the road though,” said Shibalira.
Wario said the responsibility of road safety is not only on the police but all users.
“All road users need to observe highway codes,” said Wario.
“There are some accidents that can be prevented, pedestrians should be cautious while motorists should ensure their vehicles are in good condition before putting them on the road,” he said.
Wario said accidents occur on the road daily with an average of four fatalities every month.
He warned that the government will not tolerate motorists who flout traffic laws and regulations.