Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kenyans.co.ke
Published on 2024-03-01 16:08:24
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has taken decisive action in response to the recent increase in school bus accidents. With Nairobi County reporting the highest number of road accidents, NTSA has announced a medical camp training for all school bus drivers within the Nairobi Metropolitan area, scheduled for March 2 at Parklands Primary School at 9.00 am.
The primary objective of the medical camp is to address the rising fatalities resulting from road accidents. NTSA plans to offer comprehensive training sessions during the event, covering essential topics such as defensive driving techniques, road safety regulations, and emergency response procedures.
According to NTSA statistics, 649 individuals have lost their lives in road accidents in Kenya over the last two months. NTSA Director-General George Njao highlighted the alarming statistics, revealing that five roads in Nairobi County are responsible for 36% of all fatal crashes in the country. These roads include Thika Superhighway, Outering Road, Mombasa-Nairobi Highway, Eastern Bypass, and Northern Bypass, which are identified as accident hotspots, especially for bus crashes occurring predominantly between 7 pm and 10 pm.
Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu expressed concerns about the current designs of school buses, emphasizing the need for improved safety measures. Speaking before a parliamentary committee, Machogu pointed out that the existing design of school buses, often converted from lorry chassis, poses a significant risk to students in the event of an accident.
Machogu stressed the importance of prioritizing comfort and safety in the design of school buses, advocating for a reevaluation of the current standards. He acknowledged the need to move away from converting lorry chassis into buses and emphasized the need for a design that ensures the safety of school-going children.
In light of these concerns, NTSA is taking proactive steps to enhance the training and awareness of school bus drivers to mitigate the risks associated with road accidents. By organizing the medical camp and providing crucial training sessions, NTSA aims to equip drivers with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate challenging road conditions and respond effectively in emergency situations.
Through collaborative efforts between NTSA, government officials, and stakeholders in the transportation sector, there is hope for a reduction in road accident fatalities and an improvement in overall road safety standards. The commitment to addressing the root causes of school bus accidents and implementing measures to enhance road safety reflects a proactive approach to ensuring the well-being of all road users, especially school children.
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