By BRIAN MUSYOKA
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has sounded an alarm over the rising number of road accidents in the counties of Kirinyaga, Embu and Tharaka Nithi, warning that the region is heading into the festive season with worrying statistics.
Speaking yesterday 16th November 2025 in Embu town during a ceremony to honour victims of road accidents, NTSA Regional Manager Reagan Muriithi revealed that a staggering 229 people have lost their lives from January to October this year across the three counties.
According to Muriithi, Kirinyaga leads with 96 deaths, followed closely by Embu with 86, while Tharaka Nithi has recorded 47 fatalities. He noted that the trend is alarming and must be urgently addressed before more lives are lost.
“This is too high. We can not afford to lose any more lives to accidents that can be prevented,” Muriithi said, urging all road users to take personal responsibility by observing safety regulations.
He issued a stern warning to bodaboda riders operating without licenses, saying NTSA will not tolerate untrained or unlicensed riders on the road. He encouraged those without proper documents to go back for training and certification before venturing out.
Embu County Executive Committee Member for Transport, Elijah Mugo, affirmed that the county government will collaborate closely with NTSA to enhance road safety and protect commuters. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive road audit to identify risky sections that require repair or proper signage.
Mugo noted that many roads still lack crucial safety signs, contributing significantly to the accidents witnessed in the region. He assured the public that corrective measures will be undertaken to make roads safer for all users.
Officials from various matatu saccos in Embu, led by Joseph Mugwana and Abraham Gichovi, also pledged their support in tightening road safety measures, especially as the December festive season approaches.
Mugwana said the saccos will conduct strict crackdowns on their drivers to weed out those who disregard traffic rules or engage in reckless behaviour while on duty.
“We will closely monitor our drivers during the Christmas season to ensure they follow all traffic regulations. We can not risk the lives of our customers,” he insisted, calling for collective vigilance on the roads.
The NTSA and stakeholders now hope that the intensified safety measures, combined with public awareness, will help reverse the worrying trend and ensure safer roads for all.
MWINGI TIMES for timely and authoritative news.
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