The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has reported a concerning increase in road accidents in Kenya since the beginning of the year. According to NTSA data covering the period from January 1 to April 1, a total of 7,198 Kenyans have been involved in road accidents. This marks a significant increase of 1,908 compared to the same period last year.
Of the 7,198 individuals involved in accidents, 1,189 tragically lost their lives, while 3,316 sustained serious injuries and 2,693 suffered minor injuries. This represents a stark contrast to the statistics from the same period in 2023, where deaths stood at 1,129, serious injuries at 2,435, and minor injuries at 1,726.
Pedestrians accounted for the highest number of fatalities in 2024, with 436 deaths, an increase from 374 in the previous year. Motorcyclists followed with 276 fatalities, a decrease from 311 in 2023. Additionally, 255 passengers lost their lives in accidents during the period under review, marking an increase compared to 211 in the previous year.
Other categories of road users affected include pillion passengers, drivers, and pedal cyclists, with varying numbers of fatalities recorded in each group.
The government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring road safety and protecting the lives and properties of citizens. Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura emphasized the need for collaboration among all road users to address the grim statistics of road accidents in Kenya. He called on motorists to observe traffic rules, urged road users to share roads responsibly, and emphasized the importance of compliance with laws relating to routes, timing, and overloading.
National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi also emphasized the importance of enforcing road safety measures, including designated crossing spots for pedestrians and the use of bright clothing when walking or cycling at night. He called on the Transport Ministry to implement decisive decisions aimed at behavior change on the roads to reduce the incidence of accidents.
