Increased accidents raise fears among motorists and passengers

Transport Principal Secretary Eng. John Mosonik and Kenya Roads Board General Manager Finance Rashid Mohamed (left), addressing the press in his Nairobi office  PICTURE BY GOVEDI ASUTSA.

The increased accidents on the Nakuru-Eldoret highway over time have raised fears among motorists and passengers, who are now seeking alternative routes.

Most motorists travelling to Eldoret and western Kenya are opting to use the Nakuru-Eldama Ravine-Makutano road.

The Nakuru-Eldama Ravine-Eldoret route joins the main highway at Makutano junction, then goes on to Eldoret and Kapsabet towns.

Gideon Lusiola, a matatu driver, said some drivers fear using the main highway, especially at night, when most accidents are reported.

Mr Lusiola said some passengers prefer using the longer route to their destinations, saying it guarantees them safety.

“A lot of drivers are opting to use alternative routes to Eldoret because of fear of being involved in road accidents at Teachers, Salgaa, Sachang'wan, and Total,” said Lusiola.

The driver added that operators of passenger and personal vehicles plying the route to Kakamega and Kisumu towns also prefer the Nakuru-Njoro-Elburgon-Molo road.

Mercy Openda, a trader who sells potatoes in Kisumu town, however, told The Standardthat although the number of accidents along the Nakuru-Salgaa route is worrying, she has to use the road because most of her produce is bought in Molo.

Mrs Openda said she has several times seen road accident victims die.

“Any time I travel along the route, I pray for protection,” said the trader.