East Africa Gas Oil Company at Waa in Matuga, Kwale County
BY SHABAN OMAR
The East Africa Oil and Gas Company (EAGOL), in collaboration with Safaricom and traffic police in Kwale County, has launched an extensive road safety campaign dubbed “Tufike Poa Na EAGOL”.
The initiative aims to curb the alarming rise in road accidents across the country, particularly during the festive season when road travel spikes significantly.
The campaign specifically targets long-distance drivers, urging them to take regular breaks to combat fatigue, a leading cause of road accidents.
According to EAGOL Chief Executive Officer Abdi Ali, fatigue is a “silent killer” on Kenyan roads, with many drivers often ignoring its symptoms due to tight schedules or a lack of awareness.
“Fatigue is responsible for numerous road accidents, yet it is largely overlooked by drivers who fail to recognize its deadly effects. We are encouraging all road users, especially long-distance drivers, to take frequent breaks, stretch, hydrate, and recharge during their journeys,” he said.
Ali said the campaign focuses on raising awareness about the dangers of driver fatigue and promoting a culture of road safety.
EAGOL Chief Executive Officer Abdi Ali
According to Ali, the initiative is not just about reducing accidents but also about improving the overall health and well-being of drivers.
“The well-being of drivers is critical for ensuring safer roads. By encouraging regular breaks and adherence to traffic rules, we aim to make road safety an integral part of professional driving. This is not a sign of weakness or delay but a step toward saving lives,” he said.
The CEO said the campaign also promotes vehicle roadworthiness, reminding drivers to ensure their vehicles are in excellent condition before hitting the road.
He said Traffic police in Kwale County will assist in enforcing the measures while educating road users on best practices.
Ali said as part of the campaign, EAGOL has introduced free rest stops at all its petrol stations across East Africa.
The stops will provide refreshments and a place for drivers to rest during their journeys, helping them stay alert and avoid accidents caused by fatigue.
Additionally, EAGOL is leveraging its mobile app to reward drivers who demonstrate safe driving practices.
Ali said the drivers who will meet the safety standards will be eligible for rewards, ranging from fuel discounts, free data bundles and refreshments to other benefits.
“By offering rewards for good driving behavior, we aim to motivate drivers to adopt safer practices,” he said.
He said the campaign comes at a critical time when Kenya has witnessed a surge in road fatalities.
Ali said through “Tufike Poa Na EAGOL,” the company aims to create a cultural shift in how road safety is perceived.
The CEO stressed that road safety should be viewed as a professional responsibility rather than an inconvenience.
The campaign is expected to run throughout the festive season and into the coming year, ensuring continuous reinforcement of its message.
Safaricom Relation Executive Alex Okoth praised the initiative, noting that it would complement existing efforts to reduce accidents.
Safaricom Relation Executive Alex Okoth
He said the campaign is timely and all stakeholders need to come together to address the crisis on the roads.
Okoth said by encouraging drivers to rest and providing them with the necessary facilities will make a significant difference.
He added that the initiative includes a loyalty program designed to reward drivers who refuel at EAGOL stations using the M-Pesa app.
Okoth said drivers will earn loyalty points for each refuel, which can later be redeemed for Bonga Points or data bundles.
“This loyalty program is an added incentive to encourage drivers to choose EAGOL stations for their refueling needs. By using M-Pesa, drivers not only enjoy convenience but also gain valuable rewards that can enhance their connectivity and access to other services,” he said.
End
