New safety package drives road safety higher
Patrick Wambua the founder and Chief Executive of Car Owners Association (COA).
What you need to know:
- Patrick Wambua founder and CEO, says the service will enable private motorists to get quick assistance whenever emergencies arise.
- According to the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) about 3,000 people perish in road crashes every year, with the country losing Sh350 billion, an equivalent of 5.6 percent of its GDP to traffic accidents.
- At Sh7,300 per year, which is equivalent to Sh20 per day for 365 days, members get discounted rates for towing, breakdown and recovery and discounted rates at reputable garages.
Car Owners Association (COA), a road safety, breakdown and recovery organisation, has launched road-assist packages to its members.
Patrick Wambua founder and CEO, says the service will enable private motorists to get quick assistance whenever emergencies arise.
“When private motorists are armed with the right tools and information to navigate road incidents, it not only offers convenience, but also enhances safety on our roads,” Mr Wambua said in an interview with Smart Business.
At a time when road accidents are on the rise, the packages will go a long way in enhancing road safety.
According to the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) about 3,000 people perish in road crashes every year, with the country losing Sh350 billion, an equivalent of 5.6 percent of its GDP to traffic accidents.
Free ladies’ car clinic
It is against this backdrop that COA has designed road-assist membership clusters and launched two books – Be a safe and responsible driver and Road safety rules for kids – to help private motorists navigate road incidents armed with the right safety information.
COA’s Silver/Corporate membership attracts an annual fee of Sh5,475 per car providing discounted rates on mechanical fixes, towing, breakdown, and recovery services.
The Gold/Family membership attracts Sh10,000 annually per car for a maximum of three cars, providing members with free towing, breakdown, and recovery services within Nairobi. “Outside of Nairobi, we charge Sh100 per kilometre for road assistance,” Mr Wambua said.
The organisation also has a ladies package; “We diagnose their cars, advice on the problem and reputable garages to have it fixed. We later diagnose the vehicle to ensure the problem has been addressed properly,” Mr Wambua explained.
At Sh7,300 per year, which is equivalent to Sh20 per day for 365 days, members get discounted rates for towing, breakdown and recovery and discounted rates at reputable garages.
Every Wednesday COA holds a free ladies’ car clinic at their offices at Nachu Plaza in Upperhill, Nairobi, where women drivers get car diagnostics, and have any questions concerning their car addressed for free.
The ladies’ car clinic is open to women drivers, including non-members.
