Stakeholders in education and road safety have raised alarm over the rising number of traffic accidents involving young people aged between 15 and 29, a group that makes up the bulk of Kenya’s secondary school, college, and university population.
In response, institutions across the country are rolling out campaigns to equip their communities with vital road safety and first aid skills. The University of Embu has become the latest to intensify efforts, hosting comprehensive sensitisation and training forums designed to prepare students and staff for emergencies both on and off the road.
The initiative, branded Skilling the Next Generation of First Responders, seeks to transform ordinary bystanders into lifesavers by equipping them with critical skills needed during the “Golden Hour”; the first few minutes after an accident when swift action can mean the difference between life and death.
Organised by the University’s Road Safety Committee, the training directly addressed concerns over the rising incidents among young people. Participants were taken through rigorous practical sessions on emergency response, including casualty assessment, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), bleeding control, fracture management, shock treatment, and safe victim extrication.
Experts from St. John Ambulance Kenya, working alongside the University Health Unit, led the sessions. Ms. Caroline Njoki, one of the facilitators, guided participants through interactive demonstrations aimed at building confidence in handling real‑life emergencies, whether on the road, at home, or within the university environment.
The programme also emphasised responsible road use, adherence to traffic rules, and collective responsibility in preventing accidents. Trainers stressed the importance of quick and accurate communication with Emergency Medical Services (EMS), including relaying details such as location, type of injury, and number of casualties.
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Students expressed satisfaction with the training, noting that the hands‑on approach helped them gain practical insights into staying calm under pressure, assessing emergency situations, and responding effectively while safeguarding their own safety.
University officials said the initiative reflects a broader commitment to fostering a culture of preparedness, safety, and community responsibility. By mainstreaming life‑saving competencies, the institution aims to ensure its members are not only academically proficient but also equipped to act responsibly in emergencies.
The campaign comes at a time when accidents and incidents have also been reported in non‑traffic settings, including hostels, where students often rely on outsiders for rescue efforts. By empowering its community, the University of Embu hopes to reduce vulnerability and strengthen resilience against such eventualities.
Coordinators concluded that the training underscores the university’s dedication to nurturing a generation that values safety, preparedness, and collective responsibility, ensuring that students graduate not only with academic knowledge but also with the skills to protect lives.
By Robert Nyagah
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