By Peter Ochieng
Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok was on Monday involved in an accident, after his official car collided with a boda boda rider.
The accident occurred between Kipisarwer and Fairhills Hotel. The governor and the rider escaped unhurt, but the passenger was injured, and is nursing injuries at the Longisa County Refferal Hospital.
The county boss wished the injured quick recovery.
“In light of this incident, governor Barchok urges all road users to observe traffic rules, exercise responsibility and caution at all times to prevent such unfortunate occurrences,” he said in a statement.
According to the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), 1,214 lives were lost in road accidents in the last three months.
Christine Ogut, NTSA Deputy Director, Safety, Audit and Inspection said the figures paint a sad picture.
Pedestrians account for the largest number of fatalities, followed by motorbikes operators, passengers, and drivers.
“The NTSA has intensified efforts to engage with drivers and matatu Saccos, summoning them for sensitisation sessions on road safety protocols,” she said.
“We have identified the lack of speed limiters in vehicles, particularly public service vehicles, as a significant contributing factor to accidents. Also, speed is the leading cause of accidents on our roads which accounts for 70 per cent of the accidents,” she added.
After the minor accident, Barchok proceeded with other activities of the day, including meeting Diamond Trust Bank officials in his office.
“We welcome the new kid on the block, Diamond Trust Bank Kenya Limited, which has chosen Bomet town as their next destination in the provision of banking services. This move is a clear demonstration of the confidence that the bank, and indeed other investors, have in Bomet County as a growing business hub,” he said.
“My administration will continue to provide a conducive environment for investors to thrive thus offering job opportunities, both direct and indirect, to our youth.”
He spoke when he hosted Kibet Kirui (Business Banker, DTB Kericho Branch), Winnie Rop (Branch Manager DTB Kericho) and Fredrick Koskei (Branch Manager DTB Bomet), who paid him a courtesy call in his office on Monday afternoon.
Diamond Trust Bank Bomet branch will officially be opened on Wednesday, this week.
“Bomet is committed to provide conducive environment for investors to thrive thus offering job opportunities, both direct and indirect, to the youth in the county,” added the governor.