The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has raised concerns over the increasing number of road accidents along the Narok–Bomet Highway.
KNUT noted that teachers and learners make up the majority of victims, which it says is worrying.
Narok KNUT Chairperson Newton Koech said the trend has become worrying and has drawn the union’s attention due to its impact on the education fraternity.
Addressing the press in Mulot, Koech said road safety is a shared responsibility and should not be left to traffic police alone.
“Road safety is a collective duty. It should not be left to the police alone while other road users ignore their responsibility,” Koech said.
He accused motorists of rampant traffic violations, particularly dangerous overtaking in areas already identified as accident black spots.
“Most of these accidents are caused by reckless driving. Some motorists even overtake at black spots, putting the lives of innocent road users at risk,” he noted.
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Koech also took issue with some traffic police officers, accusing them of corruption and failing to enforce traffic laws.
“It is unfortunate that some officers receive bribes and turn a blind eye to traffic violations. This has contributed greatly to the rise in accidents,” he alleged.
The KNUT chair urged teachers to support road safety campaigns actively, adding that many accidents could be avoided if motorists strictly adhered to traffic rules.
“Most accidents are avoidable. If motorists were keen and compliant with traffic rules, we would not be losing lives the way we are,” Koech said.
His remarks come a day after a pedestrian was knocked down in a hit-and-run incident along the highway, an event that has intensified calls for improved road safety measures.
Pressure is also mounting on the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to install proper road signage along the stretch to help reduce accidents and enhance safety for all road users.
By Kimutai Langat
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