Kirinyaga parents warned against giving boda bodas to underage children

Central Region Traffic Police Commander Elizabeth Vivi said parents who allow children below the legal age to ride motorcycles are putting their lives and those of other road users at risk.

“Don't give your underage child a motorcycle to save his life,” Vivi warned.

She was speaking in Kirinyaga County on Wednesday, during a road safety sensitisation exercise at Makutano along the Makutano-Sagana-Karatina dual carriageway.

Residents told the traffic commander that motorcycles were among the major causes of accidents in the area, with some young boys allegedly being given motorcycles by their parents.

Patrick Mwangi said the problem was particularly serious when motorcycle riders operated while drunk, calling for tougher enforcement of traffic laws against offenders.

The concerns come amid growing calls for parents and guardians to take greater responsibility for the conduct of young people using motorcycles on public roads.

Vivi also warned motorists against driving under the influence of alcohol, saying drunk driving was contributing to fatal accidents along the Makutano-Sagana-Karatina and Mwea-Embu highways.

“If you drink, don't drive,” she said.

Residents also raised concerns over speeding vehicles transporting miraa, saying they pose a danger to other road users. Peter Mwangi questioned why some miraa transporters appeared to operate without sufficient regard for traffic regulations.

Other road safety concerns raised during the exercise included pedestrians crossing highways by jumping over guard rails, donkey carts operating along busy roads and traders setting up businesses close to highways.

Vivi said pedestrians should use designated footbridges instead of crossing highways through dangerous points.

She also urged boda boda riders to wear helmets and reflective clothing and cautioned motorists against using fake driving licences.

Samuel Gitundu, a resident of Makutano, asked how ordinary motorists could establish whether a driving licence was genuine.

Vivi advised motorists to verify licences through the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and confirm that their training was undertaken at a legitimate driving school.

Samuel Murage of Macere Driving School said proper training was essential in reducing road accidents and urged learners to avoid fake driving schools.

“Safety begins with proper training. People should avoid fake driving schools and go to school and learn,” Murage said.

Vivi said all road users, including motorcycle riders and miraa transporters, were required to comply with traffic laws.

“We will deal ruthlessly with those who violate traffic rules,” she warned.

She urged motorists, pedestrians, cyclists and motorcycle riders to observe traffic rules and exercise caution to reduce accidents along the region's busy highways.