This archive report was first published on 28 August 2019.
Kenya's road safety record is a cause for concern, with over 3,000 people losing their lives in road accidents annually. The majority of these fatalities could have been avoided if drivers had exercised caution and followed traffic rules.
According to the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), human error is a significant contributor to road accidents, with speeding, recklessness, and driving under the influence of alcohol being major culprits. Unroadworthy vehicles and poor road conditions also play a significant role in the country's road carnage.
The NTSA and traffic police have a crucial role to play in promoting a road safety culture in the country. However, the NTSA often responds to accidents after they have occurred, rather than taking proactive measures to prevent them. Meanwhile, the traffic police are often accused of prioritizing bribe collection over enforcing traffic rules.
With the number of accidents on the rise since June, there are fears that the annual death toll could be surpassed. In the first eight months of this year, Nairobi recorded 275 deaths, with Mombasa and Outering roads being identified as the leading hotspots for fatalities.
According to the NTSA, 273 black spots have been identified across the country, with 199 of these occurring in the Northern Corridor and 74 in Nairobi. The number of pedestrian fatalities has also increased, with 839 recorded in the first eight months of this year, compared to 727 in the same period last year.
Reducing the number of deaths and serious injuries on Kenya's roads is crucial, not only for the families of the victims but also for the country's public health sector, which bears the brunt of the consequences of these accidents.
