Piece by: MAUREEN KINYANJUI

24 February 2024

• Chief officer for Security will ensure the outlets are cleared within seven days.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has issued a directive for the removal of all wine and spirits outlets at bus termini following a report from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) highlighting fatalities on Nairobi roads.

Expressing concerns about the impact of alcohol abuse on road safety, Sakaja emphasized the need to address the issue at bus stages and termini.

He stated, "In our stages and termini, madereva na touts wanakunywa sana (drivers and touts are drinking a lot). The wines and spirits located at the stages, tutazitoa (shall remove them)."

Governor Sakaja instructed Tony Kimani, Chief Officer for Security, to ensure the clearance of all wines and spirits establishments around bus termini within seven days.

"Tony, you have my instructions to clear all those wines and spirits that have been converted to bars. Clear them from the termini completely. I'm giving you seven days to clear them," he added.

Sakaja called for collaboration between NTSA, Matatu Owners Association (MOA), and his administration to address the menace and asserted that disorder in the county would not continue under his watch.

He stated the importance of tackling the impact of alcohol and drug abuse on road safety and announced plans to hold a meeting with various stakeholders to address the issue.

The NTSA report revealed that 22,885 people were involved in road accidents in the previous year, with 4,324 fatalities and a significant number of life-changing injuries.

Pedestrians were identified as the most vulnerable road users, with 1,591 pedestrian fatalities reported in 2023, compared to 1,682 in 2022.

The Northern Bypass was identified as Kenya's most dangerous road in the report, accounting for a considerable number of accidents.

Governor Sakaja plans to address the issue collaboratively with traffic departments, OCPDs, DCI officers, National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO), ward, and county administrators to enhance road safety measures in Nairobi.