Central Region Traffic Police Commander Elizabeth Vivi has issued a stern warning to parents in Kirinyaga against giving motorcycles to underage children, citing the risks it poses to their lives and those of other road users. She made the remarks during a road safety sensitization exercise at Makutano along the Makutano-Sagana-Karatina dual carriageway. Vivi emphasized the need for parents to take responsibility for their children's actions on the roads.
Residents have expressed concerns that motorcycles are a major cause of accidents in the area, with some young boys allegedly being given motorcycles by their parents. They also raised concerns over motorcycle riders operating while drunk, calling for tougher enforcement of traffic laws against offenders. Patrick Mwangi, a resident, noted that drunk driving and reckless riding are significant contributors to fatal accidents in the region.
Vivi also warned motorists against driving under the influence of alcohol, saying it is a major contributor to fatal accidents along the Makutano-Sagana-Karatina and Mwea-Embu highways. She urged motorists to exercise caution and observe traffic rules to reduce accidents. The traffic commander also cautioned motorists against using fake driving licences, advising them to verify licences through the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).
Residents also raised concerns over speeding vehicles transporting miraa, saying they pose a danger to other road users. Peter Mwangi questioned why some miraa transporters appeared to operate without sufficient regard for traffic regulations. Vivi urged pedestrians to use designated footbridges instead of crossing highways through dangerous points.
The road safety sensitization exercise also highlighted other concerns, including pedestrians crossing highways by jumping over guard rails, donkey carts operating along busy roads, and traders setting up businesses close to highways. Vivi urged boda boda riders to wear helmets and reflective clothing to enhance their visibility on the roads.
Samuel Gitundu, a resident of Makutano, asked how ordinary motorists could establish whether a driving licence was genuine. Vivi advised motorists to verify licences through the NTSA and confirm that their training was undertaken at a legitimate driving school. Samuel Murage of Macere Driving School emphasized the importance of proper training in reducing road accidents.
Vivi reiterated that all road users, including motorcycle riders and miraa transporters, are required to comply with traffic laws. She warned that those who violate traffic rules will be dealt with ruthlessly. The traffic commander urged motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcycle riders to exercise caution and observe traffic rules to reduce accidents along the region's busy highways.
Key points
- Parents in Kirinyaga are being warned against giving motorcycles to underage children amid concerns over increasing road accidents in the county.
- The warning was issued by Central Region Traffic Police Commander Elizabeth Vivi during a road safety sensitization exercise in Kirinyaga.
- Residents have expressed concerns over motorcycle riders operating while drunk and speeding vehicles transporting miraa, posing a danger to other road users.
