This archive report was first published on 5 September 2019.
Published on September 5, 2019, a report by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) revealed a disturbing trend in road fatalities in Kenya.
Despite the government introducing stringent rules at the start of the year to curb road accidents, the number of deaths has increased. A total of 2,326 people have lost their lives on Kenyan roads compared to 2,021 who died by the same date in 2018.
According to the report, pedestrians remain the most vulnerable group, with 904 losing their lives this year compared to 768 in 2018. Drivers are also at risk, with 214 fatalities recorded this year compared to 204 in 2018.
Passengers and pillion passengers have also suffered, with 475 and 225 deaths recorded respectively. The report also highlighted the dangers faced by pedal cyclists and motorcyclists, with 49 and 459 fatalities recorded respectively.
NTSA's report also noted that 4,315 people involved in road accidents sustained serious injuries in 2019, compared to 2,978 in 2018. Meanwhile, 3,446 people suffered minor injuries in 2019, compared to 3,694 in 2018.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i has promised that the measures put in place by the government will be institutionalised, and that unroadworthy vehicles will be cracked down on.
