Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen on Monday confirmed that 3,999 people died in road accidents between January and December 7, 2023.
In a statement shared on Monday, December 18, 2023, the CS noted that the number has reduced from the 4,352 recorded within the same period in 2022. The CS lauded the progress saying the ministry's collective effort contributed to the reduction of road fatalities this year.
"Notably, the reduction in deaths coincided with a concerning increase in the number of seriously injured individuals, suggesting that more work needs to be done to improve road safety.
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"I am disheartened to report a rise in fatalities among pedal cyclists, attributed to factors such as speeding, dangerous cycling and inadequate non-motorised transport facilities," the CS said.
Murkomen additionally announced that the ministry will be distributing the Kenya Highway Code and Learner Drivers' Handbook to all drivers, cyclists and pedestrians as part of their commitment to taming road carnage.
While making the announcement, the CS also implored citizens to take personal responsibility and minimise factors that may lead to risky road behaviour saying 90 percent of road traffic incidents are caused by unsafe road user behaviour.
"The Highway Code includes rules and guidelines applicable to all road users, be they learners or experienced drivers. I appeal to vehicle operators to carry functional first aid kits and fire extinguishers and to embrace basic first aid training. Let’s support the Government’s efforts to restore sanity on our roads, particularly during this festive season," the CS added.
Further, the outspoken CS assured Kenyans that the National (NTSA) in collaboration with the National Police Service (NPS) will intensify enforcement activities during the festive season with a focus on illegal PSVs.
