Kisii Governor Simba Arati has directed county officials to engage the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) and the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) over the diversion of heavy commercial trucks from Kisii town following a fatal road accident that claimed five lives.
The accident occurred on Wednesday evening at Waumini Plaza in Kisii Town, leaving several other people injured.
In a statement, Governor Arati expressed shock and sorrow over the incident and condoled with the bereaved families.
“On behalf of the County Government of Kisii and on my own behalf, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families,” he said.
Arati directed the County Department of Health and Disaster Management to ensure that all injured victims receive urgent and comprehensive medical attention at Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital.
He also directed the county enforcement team to work with traffic police to prevent the illegal parking of lorries within the town and around the Waumini area.
As part of measures to improve road safety, the governor ordered:
Engagement with KeNHA and NTSA to enforce the diversion of heavy trucks and lorries to alternative routes, including the Nyambera Bypass and the Stadium–Suneka route.
Joint enforcement operations to stop illegal parking of lorries in town and at Waumini.
A full safety audit of the Waumini Plaza road blackspot.
The governor said the continued movement of heavy commercial vehicles through the congested town centre posed a serious risk to residents and other road users.
“The safety and lives of our people must come first, always. No business or convenience is worth a single human life,” he said.
He further urged motorists and other road users to exercise caution, particularly during the rainy season, and wished the injured victims a quick recovery.
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