By Macharia Kamau
The Automobile Association of Kenya (AA) has launched a free towing service for its members.
The project, which commences in January, will cost the organisation Sh10 million annually.
"We have infrastructure in place to respond to needs of members from across the country and this particular service will ease pressure on motorists, who have experienced increase in costs of running vehicles," said Mr David Njoroge AA Director General. AA charges fees for road rescue services in major towns, but has also appointed select garages or breakdown operators to provide the same to members where it does not have branches.
The organisation expects the free facility to boost its ratings among motorists and increase membership from the current 60,000 to over 100, 000 in the next two years.
"Coming at a time when the country is sliding into a serious recession, the free towing service will act as an incentive for more motorists to join the association," said Mr James Murigu AA chairman.
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The round the clock free towing services are in addition to the free roadside repair, an emergency service given to members, whose vehicles breakdown while within towns where AA has offices.
Mr Charles Njonjo, a former AA chairman launched the new service. Njonjo asked the Government and automobile industry stakeholders to commit more resources to enhance road safety.
"Kenya has 3,000 fatalities per year and the number of road crashes tend to rise during the this season mainly due to increased mobility, alcohol consumption and competition in the passenger transportation sector," he said.
"We need to reduce these numbers now and this can only be possible where political will exists."
Njonjo raised concerns over marketing and advertising campaigns by vehicle dealers, which compromised on road safety.
