Kitui County Director of Boda Boda and Transport, Benard Mulevu, speaking to the media at the site where the traffic lights have been installed/Musembi Nzengu
A zebra crossing at the site where the traffic lights were installed/Musembi Nzengu
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Road users in Kitui town are set to benefit from improved
traffic management and enhanced road safety.
This follows the installation of traffic lights at the busy intersection of the Kitui-Kibwezi Highway and the Kitui town T-junction.
The junction has long been regarded as one of the town's major accident black spots, with crashes occurring almost every week. The frequent accidents prompted the installation of the traffic lights to improve traffic flow and reduce road carnage.
To ensure smooth adoption of the new system, the Kitui County Government's department of roads, public works and transport on Wednesday launched a public awareness campaign on the proper use of the traffic signals.
The exercise brought together officials from the boda boda and transport sectors, the National Police Service and county enforcement officers, who took part in practical demonstrations at the newly signalised junction.
County Director for Transport and Boda Boda Affairs Bernard Mulevu said the sensitisation programme was aimed at familiarising road users with the new traffic control system and promoting compliance with traffic regulations.
He said the participation of stakeholders, including school administrators, the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, clergy and representatives of persons with disabilities, underscored the importance of involving all sectors of society in the successful implementation of the new traffic management system.
"Bringing together all stakeholders is critical in creating a coordinated approach that will ensure the success of the new traffic management system," Mulevu said.
He noted that public awareness is key to ensuring the new road safety infrastructure achieves its intended purpose.
According to Mulevu, the junction has been a hotspot for boda boda accidents, with at least five crashes involving riders reported every month. He expressed confidence that the traffic lights would significantly reduce accidents.
He urged boda boda leaders and other transport stakeholders to educate their members on responsible road use and appealed to school administrators to teach learners safe road-crossing practices.
Mulevu said motorists, boda boda riders, pedestrians and other road users should familiarise themselves with the new traffic signals and cooperate with police officers and county traffic marshals to ensure safer roads.
Kitui Central traffic base commander Barnabas Korir warned all road users must obey the traffic lights, saying those who violate the rules risk arrest and prosecution.
"Many people may not know that failure to obey traffic lights can attract a fine of up to Sh10,000," he said.
Korir commended the county government for sustained road safety awareness campaigns targeting boda boda operators, saying they had contributed to a noticeable decline in accidents.
"I regularly visit Kitui County Referral Hospital and have observed a significant reduction in the number of patients admitted as a result of boda boda accidents. This is a direct and positive outcome of the county government's road safety awareness campaigns and the cooperation of boda boda riders," he said.
During the sensitisation exercise, officials demonstrated the correct use of pedestrian crossings and traffic lights at the Kitui-Kibwezi Road and Kitui Town T-junction intersection to help members of the public safely navigate the new traffic management system.
