TAWU Raises Alarm Over Rising Truck, Bus Accidents

By Mbungu Harrison

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

The Transport Workers Union (TAWU) has warned over increasing road accidents involving trucks and buses, blaming this on poor working conditions for drivers, unsafe commercial practices, weak enforcement of regulations and inadequate road infrastructure.

In a statement signed by TAWU–Kenya General Secretary Nicholas Otieno the union said road safety should be addressed as both a labour and public safety issue, noting that drivers’ working conditions directly affect the safety of passengers, pedestrians and other road users.

“Drivers are being pushed to the edge by unsafe pay systems, long working hours and unrealistic delivery schedules, forcing many to speed or drive while fatigued,” the statement said.

According to TAWU addressing the crisis would require reforms across the transport sector, outlining three key areas of intervention.

First, the union said it had aligned itself with the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) Safe Rates principles, which seek to eliminate unsafe business models in the transport industry.

Under the framework, drivers would be fairly compensated for all working time, including waiting periods, rest breaks and delays, reducing pressure that encourages reckless driving.

Secondly, the union called for the full implementation of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Guidelines on the Promotion of Road Safety and Decent Work in the Transport Sector.

The guidelines emphasise regulated working hours, proper vehicle maintenance, social dialogue among stakeholders and strict enforcement of occupational safety and health standards.

TAWU also cites infrastructure development as a critical safety measure, backing projects such as the dual carriageway expansion of the Rironi–Maua Summit Road and the proposed Nairobi–Mombasa Expressway corridor.

The union says improved road networks will help reduce congestion, driver fatigue, delays and dangerous traffic interactions linked to accidents.

The union reaffirms its commitment to a sector-wide approach that regulates employment conditions for truck and bus drivers, enforces labour and road safety laws, and strengthens collaboration between government, employers and other stakeholders.

“Road safety cannot be achieved through enforcement alone,” it says adding that the root causes of accidents include unsafe work practices, exploitative pay systems and poor infrastructure.