The cases of Motorcyclists deaths and injuries in Nakuru city continue to raise alarm with the majority of victims being admitted at the Nakuru County Referral Hospital.

A spot check at the Hospital’s Orthopedic ward, reveals victims of motorbike accidents with bandaged legs hoisted in the air, groaning in pain waiting to be attended to.

The Facilities’ Medical Superintendent Dr. Aisha Maina revealed that over 50 patients are nursing serious injuries at the ward due to motorbike accidents.

She was however quick to note that the numbers have reduced as compared to previous years when the ward was congested due to many victims of road accidents.

“We have seen the number reduced for those admitted with serious injuries, but there is need for continued sensitization on road safety” she said.

Statistics from National Transport and Safety Authority indicate that motorcycle riders are 26 times more likely to die in a traffic collision and 5 times more likely to be injured than a passenger in an enclosed vehicle.

Within Nakuru City, the stretch from Kunste interchange all the way to Gate House on the Highway has been cited as the most notorious for Motorbike accidents due to non-adherence of traffic rules.

A bodaboda operator crossing the highway near Gateiguru stage. The area has been termed notorious for bodaboda accidents.

Photo credit: RICHARD MAOSI| NMG

Catherine Waweru from NTSA says simple discipline on the road is key to averting accidents.

“If our people on the road can just have some simple discipline then we shall have a different story- that of safe roads” she noted.

On her part Rift Valley Regional Traffic Officer Muleke Mboya stated that indiscipline among riders has contributed to the rise in motorbike accidents.

She cited Gateiguru stage and the area around Nakuru State House as blackspots. These are where motorbike riders are notorious for illegally crossing the area with passengers.

“We have noted the rising cases of motorbike accidents on the Nakuru-Nairobi Highway more so around statehouse and all the way to the Gatehouse roundabout” she said.

The officer was however quick to note that the Traffic department has had talks with the County Government of Nakuru through the enforcement department to ensure motorbikes that do not adhere to traffic rules are impounded.

Nakuru County Bodaboda operators’ officials led by Cornel Odongo stated that they are now engaging in sensitization to ensure the members observe traffic rules.

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State House to Gate House Stretch Most Notorious for Bodaboda Accidents

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Pristone Mambili