The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has said that the high number of casualties seen during the tragic accident involving a bus belonging to AIC Nakii High School in Nyakach at the Coptic roundabout in Kisumu could have been minimally reduced if those on board had observed basic road safety rules.
Engineer Christine Ogut, who is the second Vice President and Deputy Director of Safety Audits and Inspections at NTSA, said that.
At least 21 people have been confirmed dead following the tragic road accident involving a bus owned by AIC Naki High School at the Coptic Roundabout in Kisumu in early August this year.
Authorities have clarified that the vehicle was not carrying students at the time of the crash.
Preliminary reports indicated that the driver lost control before the bus veered off the highway and overturned.
Ogut said most of the passengers aboard the ill-fated bus did not put on safety belts. The casualties were mourners returning from a funeral on the fateful evening.
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Speaking in Kisumu on the World Day of Remembrance for Traffic Crash Victims, Ogut said the casualties could have been reduced by half if all passengers had been wearing safety belts.
The official, who is also the 2nd Vice President, Institution of Engineers of Kenya, said many of the passengers were either thrown out of the bus windows or hit their heads fatally since they did not wear seat belts.
Ogut also discouraged drivers from speeding, noting that it is one of the contributing factors to road accidents nationwide.
KeNHA regional director Julius MakOderoh said that road safety is a shared responsibility.
In the region, he said, too many lives continue to be lost due to speeding, reckless driving, unsafe pedestrian behaviour, and the vandalism of critical road furniture. Every crash is a human tragedy—not just a number.
“As KeNHA, we remain committed to safer infrastructure, timely maintenance, improved lighting, better signage, and stronger collaboration with enforcement agencies and communities. But safety begins with behaviour. We call on all road users—drivers, riders, and pedestrians—to act responsibly and protect one another,” he said.
The director called for a renewed pledge to make our roads safer, to support survivors, and to prevent further loss of life.
The County Executive Committee Member (CECM) Lands, Physical Planning, Housing and Urban Development, Mr Jerome Ochieng, said they have formed sub-county-level committees tasked with drafting bylaws to oversee the free flow of traffic.
Ochieng said they have now started installing traffic lights in some sections of Kisumu town to improve traffic flow.
He urged members of the public not to vandalise road signs, noting that it is in their own best interests.
Kisumu County Commissioner Mr Benson Leparmorijo called on vehicle owners to be vigilant during the festive season to avert fatal road accidents.
Earlier, the team walked from the Coptic roundabout to Kisumu town to mark the day.
By Fredrick Odiero
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