At least 4,432 Kenyans have lost their lives in road accidents since January, a new report by the National Transport Safety Authority (NTSA) shows.
The report released on Tuesday, December 20, indicates that the number of Kenyans who died in road crashes between January and December 13, rose by 3.77 per cent compared to the same period last year.
According to NTSA, the majority of road traffic deaths are among vulnerable road users: pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists.
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Pedestrians make up 35.8 per cent of the casualties with a total of 1,587 followed by motorcyclists at 1,888 and passengers at 792.
The number of drivers killed in road accidents decreased by 4.8 per cent with a total of 400, down from 420 recorded in 2021.
"A total of 117 road users were fatally injured between 5th and 13th December 2022," NTSA said.
NTSA said fatality rates are higher in highly urbanized counties, a trend the agency attributed to better infrastructure and an increase in population which has increased interaction between vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, motorcyclists and vehicles on the road.
Most of the fatal road traffic crashes occurred between 5.00 pm and 9.00 pm with the peak last
week being 5.00 p.m.
NTSA attributed the night accidents to reduced enforcement during the aforementioned times, high volumes of traffic and pedestrians (rush hour), pedestrians crossing at non-designated or unsafe areas and getting easily knocked down or ran over by speeding vehicles, driver fatigue and drink driving.
Meanwhile, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki announced a crackdown on rogue motorists to curb cases of accidents during the festive season.
Speaking during the launch of the 2022 December Festivity Enforcement Initiative on Tuesday, Kindiki said many of the accidents recorded during the festive season can be prevented.
"There is manifest correlation between the increase in the incidences of recorded accidents and the higher number of vehicles on our roads around this time of the year. But the high number of accidents also point to human error and the merrymaking and other indulgences typical of the festive season as major contributors to this notable spike," he said.
He directed the police to "crack heavily and without exceptions" on those found flouting our traffic rules.
"I have given the Inspector General my personal assurances and those of the Government that we will provide his officers with the necessary support to enforce the safety of every Kenyan on our roads and a deliberate campaign targeting the reduction of our unacceptable high road fatalities," Kindiki, who was flanked by Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen, said.
"We expect 100 per cent compliance with the relevant traffic requirements by motorists and other road users. These rules must be observed in their entirety by all."
Punishable offences include:
- Speeding
- Overloading of goods and excess passengers
- Contravening of licensed Public Service Vehicle route
- Night operation without a valid night travel licence
- Operating a PSV without valid licences
- Operating vehicles without valid inspection
- Installation of unlawful lights on motor vehicles
- Drink driving
- Delayed removal of stalled vehicles, and
- Any other traffic infringements.
