By Agnetta Okwemba
Road accidents in the country have surged during the festive season, as hundreds travel across the country for Christmas and New Year celebrations.
According to the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), 4,282 road users had lost their lives by the end of November 2024, with pedestrians and motorists being the most affected.
Pedestrian fatalities stood at 1,600, while 900 motorists were killed.
Authorities Raise Alarm Over Rising Casualties
Speaking at a road safety awareness event in Likoni, Mombasa County, NTSA Coast Region Deputy Regional Manager John Parteroi highlighted the alarming increase in fatalities compared to 2023.
“We are asking motorists and pedestrians to make good use of the pedestrian crossing,” Parteroi said during the event, where road users signed pledges to slow down and ensure safety for all.
He urged road users to use pedestrian crossings, adhere to traffic regulations, avoid overloading vehicles, and ensure the use of protective gear.
Road Safety Campaign Launched
In response to the escalating road deaths, Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety (BIGRS) in collaboration with NTSA, and the National Police Service, launched a one-month road safety campaign titled “Punguza Kasi, Kuokoa Maisha” (Slow Down to Save Lives) on December 10.
The initiative aims to promote behaviour change and reduce road accidents through public sensitization.
“As we speak about road safety, our goal is to influence behaviour change among road users,” said Vipul Patel, coordinator of Bloomberg’s global road safety initiative.
Road users pen their signatures as a way of pledging to maintain road safety
Targeting High-Risk Areas
Authorities are particularly focused on addressing black spots such as the Kilifi-Malindi Road near Mtwapa.
Parteroi urged drivers to avoid drunk driving and speeding, which are major contributors to road accidents.
NTSA has also encouraged road users to report traffic violations and unsafe conditions through its social media platforms for swift action.
Government Calls for Action
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi urged all motorists, especially Passenger Service Vehicle (PSV) drivers on long-distance routes, to drive carefully and obey traffic regulations.
Speaking during the security press briefing at Harambee House on Thursday, the Prime CS said the government will intensify highway patrols, enforce vehicle roadworthiness, and crack down on illegal and unlicensed PSVs.
“Every officer must be actively engaged in monitoring, reporting, and addressing any issues of non-compliance to road safety regulations. This is critical to the National Road Safety Goal of reducing road accidents by 50% before 2028,” Mudavadi said.
With the holiday season underway, the campaign underscores the urgent need to curb road accidents and promote safety on Kenya’s roads.
