CONSUMER PROTECTION MEASURES AND ROAD SAFETY IN NYERI COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of consumer protection measures implemented by Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) for Public Service Vehicles (PSV) on road safety in Nyeri County, Kenya. The study used descriptive case study design and employed SERVQUAL theory and Elton Mayo’s HAWTHORNE effect in its theoretical framework. The target population was 11 PSV SACCOS licenced to operate in Nyeri County between 2016 and 2018. A sample size of 86 employees was drawn from the three largest SACCOs in Nyeri County. They included: 2NK SACCO, NAKONNS SACCO and NYENA SACCO. Stratified and simple random sampling techniques were used to select individuals who participated in the study. Primary data in this study was collected using self-administered structured questionnaire and interview guides. Quantitative data was analysed through descriptive and inferential statistics while thematic analysis was employed to analyse qualitative analysis. Secondary data was used to provide a background and support the findings of the current study. Data was presented using tables and figures and multiple regression analysis was used to test all the hypotheses. The findings indicated that management of PSV SACCOs with focus on wearing seatbelts, driving within the speed limit, use of speed cameras greatly contribute in reducing road crashes deaths. In addition the study found that a safe system approach combining infrastructure and speed management measures further produced substantial safety gains for road users. The results also showed a significant relationship between Consumer Protection through PSV SACCOs and road safety in Nyeri County.