In response to a tragic accident that claimed the lives of six school-going children, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has launched a road safety campaign along Kitui-Kibwezi road.
The sensitization is in collaboration with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), Traffic Police, County Governments, and local schools.
This initiative aims to address the alarming rise in road accidents and enhance public awareness regarding safe road usage, particularly in market areas and schools.
The campaign, which was prompted by the heartbreaking incident at Wiitu shopping center, where three primary and three secondary school children lost their lives, focuses on curbing speeding and ensuring the safety of pedestrians at critical locations.
Key measures include the installation of speed cameras, stricter enforcement of traffic regulations, replacement of damaged signage, and the distribution of reflective gear for riders.
Local authorities are set to play a vital role by clearing road encroachments, enhancing street lighting, and conducting regular road surveillance.
The Kibwezi-Kitui road bypass has become increasingly popular with matatus, buses, and trucks traveling to and from destinations in Embu, Kiambu, Kitui, Machakos, Makueni, Meru, and Mombasa counties.
Matatus on the Kibwezi-Kitui route have largely dominated traffic, as motorists on long-distance trips save at least 100 kilometers by utilizing this bypass.
