The Kenya National Highway Authority (KENHA) was called out on Thursday, June 29 for failing to listen to appeals to reconstruct the Eldoret-Webuye road.
This was after a grisly accident that occurred at one of the black spots on Saturday, June 24, killed eight pupils from Ebenezer Academy. Additionally, four teachers and several other pupils sustained injuries.
Matayos Member of Parliament Geoffrey Odanga accused KENHA of using incompetent engineers who failed to design the roads as per the set standards.
“This Kaburengu area has been a black spot that has claimed many lives since the road was constructed and it is high time the authority does something about it to avert further loss of lives,” he noted.
He made these remarks during a requiem mass held at the Busia Polytechnic grounds, in the presence of Busia Governor Paul Otuoma and a host of other county officials.
"I want to urge the government especially KENHA which I think is not doing its duty to intervene," Odanga demanded.
Odanga emphasised that KeNHA should employ qualified engineers who will prioritise the safety of motorists and other road users.
His sentiments were echoed by the governor who accused the relevant authorities of constructing substandard roads that lead to fatalities.
"We are hurting because of these incompetent engineers, after losing about 90 people in one spot, the best they can do is mark it a black spot. This is wrong, yet they are receiving a salary from the government," the governor stated.
Additionally, Kipchumba Ruto, the County Commissioner emphasised that the Ministry of Transport must be keen to reduce road accidents in the area. Kipchumba suggested the construction of a dual carriage, which he observed, will go a long way in reducing fatality rates in the area.
He urged the ministry to involve the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to ensure all rogue drivers are apprehended.
Meanwhile, the leaders contributed funds to help the family bury their loved ones as well as cater to other necessities.
Data from NTSA released on Thursday, June 29, indicated that the number of road accident fatalities reduced between January and June compared to a similar period in 2022.
In 2022, some 2,261 cases were reported while in 2023 only 2,124 fatalities were recorded.
