Kisii Governor Simba Arati has expressed shock and sorrow following a fatal road accident at Waumini Plaza in Kisii Town that claimed five lives and left several others injured.
In a statement, Governor Arati conveyed condolences to the bereaved families on behalf of the County Government of Kisii and assured those affected of the county’s support.
The governor directed the County Department of Health and Disaster Management to ensure all the injured receive urgent and comprehensive medical care at the Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital.
Arati said the accident highlights the urgent need to address road safety in Kisii Town, particularly the continued movement of heavy commercial trucks and lorries through the congested central business district.
He has directed the county to immediately engage the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) and the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to enforce the diversion of heavy trucks to alternative routes, including the Nyambera Bypass and the Stadium–Suneka route.
The county enforcement team has also been directed to work with traffic police to prevent illegal parking of lorries within the town and around the Waumini area.
In addition, the governor ordered a full safety audit of the Waumini Plaza blackspot.
Arati urged drivers and other road users to exercise caution, particularly during the rainy season, saying the safety and lives of residents must remain a priority.
