East African Gasoil launches ‘Tufike Poa na EAGOL’ campaign to curb road carnage

East African Gasoil Limited (EAGOL) has launched a road safety campaign dubbed Tufike Poa na EAGOL.

The initiative, which encourages regular breaks for drivers on long journeys, aims to tackle the alarming increase in road fatalities, particularly during the busy holiday season.

Speaking to journalists at the opening of their new petrol station in Waa, Kwale County, CEO Abdi Ali emphasized the importance of rest in preventing road accidents.

The campaign targets to reduce road accidents caused by driver fatigue during the festive season.

"A large percentage of road accidents happen because drivers do not get enough rest. The traffic is high, and many drivers are focused on making a profit, often neglecting the need to take breaks," said Ali.

Data from the National Transport and Safety Authority NTSA shows that over 2000 people lost their lives on Kenyan roads in just months this year.

The Data is from January to July 7,2024 with over 10,166 others nursing injuries from an estimated 11,502 crashes.

The Tufike Poa campaign seeks to raise awareness about the dangers of long, uninterrupted hours on the road.

Fatigue can severely reduce a driver’s concentration and reaction time, contributing to a higher risk of accidents.

The initiative encourages all road users, especially those on long-distance journeys, to make frequent stops, stretch, hydrate, and take short naps if necessary.

"Fatigue is a silent killer on our roads.We are urging all road users to make regular stops, stretch, hydrate, and recharge during long trips. The goal of Tufike Poa is to prioritize health and well-being by encouraging drivers to take breaks and ultimately arrive safely,"Ali said.

As part of the campaign, drivers will be offered free water or tea at all EAGOL petrol stations across East Africa, providing a moment to rest and refresh.

The campaign is not only aimed at road users but also at shifting the culture around long-distance driving.

EAGOL hopes that by reminding drivers of the importance of taking breaks, it will reduce fatigue-related accidents.

The campaign will be promoted through various media platforms, including social media and digital channels, and the EAGOL mobile app will be used to reward safe driving practices during the campaign period. This initiative is a step toward creating a cultural shift where regular breaks become a routine part of safe driving.

EAGOL has partnered with Safaricom and police service in the campaign.

Local residents, like James Mwangi, a long-distance truck driver, have welcomed the campaign.

"We often drive for long hours without rest because of the pressure to meet deadlines. This campaign reminds us that our health and safety are more important than rushing. I believe it will save many lives," said Mwangi.

EAGOL’s initiative is part of a broader effort to curb road carnage during a period when traffic volumes soar, and many drivers tend to push their limits. 

"Every driver who refuels at our stations earns points that can later be redeemed for fuel, free airtime, or refreshments at our rest stations,” said EAGOL’s Khalila Said.

EAGOL has also introduced discounts on petrol and diesel at all its stations.

“We have offered discounts on all our fuel, including petrol and diesel, to support drivers during this period,” said Hussein Machasyo, EAGOL’s Kwale manager.

With Tufike Poa, the company hopes to make a lasting impact on road safety in East Africa, ensuring that more people arrive at their destinations safely this festive season.